Book 16), Vampire Hunter, Blood Noir (Anita Blake

I am so glad i did not waste money on this installment, i got my copy at my local library and i got about 80 pages into the novel before i returned it. it is the same thing over and over, she has to many men, and sex all the time. I have one question, what happened the Anita we first met in guilty pleasures? i will not be reading anymore of this series.

i'm really trying to think of a good way to open this response, but at the current moment, can't. i think reading this book has befuddled my brains a little bit. anita blake blows out brains literally and figuratively, heh.

so. umm. i can't decide how this weighs against her last book into this series, since i barely remember it, and i can't decide whether there was anything to like in this book either, although there was certainly less to hate. a lot of the times, she would end the chapter by saying something as conclusive as "and then they have sex," but just when i start the next chapter and expect the aftermath or something, she would go into heavy detailing of the sex. not that i don't appreciate sex, but sex can both be done tastefully, and painfully. she took the painful route, or as she put it in her personal interviews, that she doesn't shy away from what bothers other people's comfort levels. if anything, i think someone needs to make her understand this: it's not my comfort level or my sensitivity that is bothered. it's that i really do get bored during the sex scenes, and that her sex scenes have just really begun to feel like reality tv. and god, i HATE reality tv. it's like watching some of your favorite characters go "you bitch, you slept with her again!" that.. NOT my cup of tea.

i suspect i've just described most of her fans' love/hate relationships with this series in general. i hope i've described it well enough to do it some justice, instead of being found by her one day and have her declare me a prude. because trust me, i've had sex that was way more inventive than what she describes. granted, not the 5 orgasms in a row that she describes, but i'm to this day having trouble believing someone can have that many orgasms within a couple of minutes. i would be more inclined to believe that it's not really an orgasm, just the loss of bladder control in the middle of the act.

okay, that probably went too far.

but anyway. the sex-so-boring-it-makes-my-eyes-cross is really the only problem i've ever had with AB as of late. that, and that there really weren't any mysteries going around anymore. take this latest installation, for example; there was no buildup, there was no climax. it attempted at both, but achieved neither, in my eyes. this series, for me at least, has definitely lost its grittier bit, from earlier on in the series. i like it when a character gets out of a hopeless situation by sheer will, by strength of character. i don't like it that a character gets out of a situation by having a magic wand, so to speak. if i wanted that, i'd watch disney. or watch some truly bad anime, or play a game with a hero with a serious superiority complex. but when i used to read anita blake, it made me understand her, feel sorry for her. now, it feels like an overdramatized episode of the o.c. what the hell happened?

now understandably, richard's insanity problem has been solved by the end of this. i think even LKH was getting tired of having to write his character's antics out, and jesus, good riddance. other instances that bothered me from time to time, or maybe bothered is too heavy a word, more like, distracted from the overall reading--she uses the same metaphors over and over again. i'm not sure if she realizes she's already written the phrase out before, but by god, if i read the phrase "the smile that gets his customers to part with their money" again, i am going to vomit. i thought LKH was supposed to be the queen of imagination here? what happened there?

i realize life must've been hard on her for her to write consistently. but i also sorely miss the AB of old. not the character, i'm fine with her character as is. but the seriously wondering what the hell will happen on the next page kinda thing, where a book just grips you and won't let go. i no longer fear for any of the characters, knowing that they are all probably immortal, with superpowers and no kryptonite in sight. that is grossly exaggerated and maybe i'm being unfair, but that's the gist of it. i mean really, i don't see any of them dying anytime soon, and she herself has said so. when kim harrison killed off a major character, it shocked many people into responding negatively, but the truth is that it makes all the characters that remain all that much more fragile, it brings into full relief the briefness of life itself. it's therefore sad to say that although LKH will never make me grieve for a character as much, i will also never feel for any of her characters as much. emotion works both ways.

i feel this rantfest is probably accumulated from a long time of reading her AB books and not being pleased with what i read. this, i will be glad to say, is neither amazing or awful, but as a result it's mediocre. i don't know if that's better or worse. next year at this time, when the next book is out and i'm settling down for another read, i probably won't remember the contents of this book much, much as how i can't for the life of me remember much of what happened in "the harlequin." i think it's sad that my once-favorite series is, in my eyes, dying. i keep crossing my fingers and hoping, though.

AFTERTHOUGHTS: i thought this was supposed to be a novella on the side, like one was written for micah? did she then not have enough time to write her full one either, or did i get something wrong? something else that somewhat bugs me, but not enough for me to have remembered in time to put in the full entry: if anita doesn't feel guilty for having so many men, then why does she keep trying to justify it throughout the book? this is another one of those things that she mentions repeatedly, to the point of where i'd just roll my eyes.

I loved the first 8 books. Those pulpy paperbacks "evolved" into hardback bestsellers with an ever-expanding universe of characters that are all in love with/in awe of/hate Anita Blake.
I'm tired of no one "important" ever being in REAL peril, although everyone is constantly in danger.
I'm tired of reading 24: The Bondage Years book after book.
Please Laurell, have a book that covers more than a week-long period. Have some important characters (since there are more bloody characters than I care to remember anyhow) DIE.
Write a war!
I know I'm not speaking to this book specifically, but the decline was a long and gradual one. This is the first book in the series that I finished and said to myself, "self,why the hell am I still reading these?"
I'm tired of empty sex and empty love and empty emotional struggles.
Let Anita go out with a bang instead of jumping the shark and dying with a whimper.

I so enjoyed the first 10 or so books of this series, but the past 5 or 6 are just getting worse and worse. No Vampire hunting, no raising of the dead, the sex wasn't even that great. This was like a date that you've been looking forward to, hoping for the best, but then it just leaves you feeling unsatisfied. It seems that LKH has really lost her love (lust) for Anita, she has turned her into a soap opera character, and not even a good one. The inner dialogues were monotonous and just plain repeticious. More rationalizations of her increased promiscuity than inner debates about her metaphysical powers. I read this book through to the end but it was a strain. It finally convinced me that LKH has lost her interest in this character and is just throwing these books together to make a buck, I for one am going to look for another author, one who cares about their character, plot and puts some work and thought into it.

If Laurell Hamilton could get back to the original tone of the series then this book might not have been so bad. In between the completely unnecessary sex, that seems to be so much a feature of her last few books, you can actually find a plot. If this book would have been left as a novella it would have been much better.

Maybe the fans of the series should get together and protest. Get Laurell to remove the sex and get back to the plot that was the original reason that many of us started reading her work.

If I could, I would give Blood Noir zero stars. This book is horrible. I agree with some of the other postings that this book isn't even work the paper or ink it is printed on. The sex was too much and disgusting. This is the first Laurel K. Hamilton book I have read and will certainly be the last.

she seems to have lost her way or an editor or had a nearly fatal attack of hubris. Urban paranormals really start with LKH. Remembering first reading "Guilty Pleasures" was a phenomenal experience to find someone that saw the world through the same skewed vision. Then, as we all know, things got very bad. Personal issues that needed therapy became entire books bought by an unsuspecting public. But as I was "slogging" through this one--everynow and then a peak of the fabulous writer/world builder/character designer that has always been LKH would come through. Sure she lost the plot for 80% of the book. Sure the ardeur is a worhtless excuse--but when she works with Nathaniel or Jason--there is a heart there so frequently missing from her more recent work. OK. She's got me back on board. Am I afraid of the waste of time and money even "pleasant" thoughts. Yep. But I"m only a cock-eyed optimist and I still want to believe.

Well I loved these books, even when the sex started getting steamier. They are ok now, biggest complaint is lack of mystery. This one takes the cake in that department. There were so many chances to make this an interesting book, from the mystery surrounding the Summerlands, to the resolution at the end with the mysterious vampire and wife duo. But practically none of it was on screen. It was all "Oh well- that was taken care of" in vague terms, leaving just one 'action' (non sex type) scene in the entire book. I finished with the Meh? feeling that I really dislike from a book. The feeling that says, where was the character development? Where was the plot advancement? What was the mystery? Was there a mystery? What powers did she use/acquire?

Basically, the answer is meh.

I just picked up my copy last night at Borders and finished it last night. The book in itself is very short. Anita's personality is changing, and not in a direction that I like. Surrounding herself with all of these needy and dysfunctional people is starting to rub off on her. When the heck is Anita going to go back out in the field? The series has turned from a sci-fi/ mystery/ suspense series to romantic suspense. There is no depth any more. When is there going to be another Obsidian Butterfly? Pretty much all of the books after that novel have been down hill. Anita's character is full of rage and all we see is "la di da... Anita is frolicking in a field with the men she loves, skipping about" with the occasional killing of the bad guy within the last 50 pages of the book.

What I want to know is, what Hamilton has to say for herself. I've gone to her websites and all of the criticisms from her fans, she ignores. We invited Anita into our lives, have followed her through good times and bad; Cried when she's cried, raged when she's raged... and this is what you give us. It's like Hamilton thinks her fans love Anita's character so much that they will continue to take the morsels she is offering and then say she has given us a full meal. After finishing the first books in the series, I was satisfied. There were things left to question, but it didn't make the story incomplete and let you anticipating the next book. There has been no satiation in Hamilton's recent books. I wonder if she'll finally listen to the majority of her fans and examine what she is doing with Anita.

I have been a fan of the Anita Blake series for a couple of years now and have read and re-read the first fifteen books many times, and so was expecting to enjoy Blood Noir, but was sadly greatly disappointed. The opening sex scene seemingly goes on forever and is just more of the same - so much so that it's getting ho-hum at this point.

Plot and character development are thrown out the window for cheap thrills and titillation. It's quite poorly written compared to her earlier books, and has an air of been rushed through, the story lines are ridiculous now and the characters whiny and annoying.

My hope is that LKH goes for quality over quantity with the next book in the series and takes the time to write an Anita Blake like those of old, with characters you can respect and a storyline that holds you 'til the last page.

I am done with this author and the Anita Blake series. I'm not sure if LKH just doesn't care anymore, churning out the books for the money, or if she has just lost the ability to write. If it's the former, she should be ashamed, the latter she should kill off the series.

If you want to read a series that is wonderfully written, go buy Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden books, or any of the Charlaine Harris series.

I will never waste another penny on anything LKH puts to paper.

There is barely any plot and not much action in this book.
I actually was a fan of Narcissus in Chains and Incubus Dreams. In NiC and ID, I liked seeing seeing Anita start to settle down a bit with Micah, Nathaniel and Jean Claude. However, in this book, Anita's whining about having so many men is beginning to wear extremely thin. Plus, LKH keeps reminding us that Anita and Jason are not sweeties. They are just friends with benefits. That makes it a lot less romantic. I kept hoping that Ms. Hamilton would just develop a few of the more important relationships instead of constantly shifting focus to a new casual lover or friend with benefits. In addition, having Anita remain so commitment phobic and uncomfortable with her permanent sweeties after 24 books is just ridiculous. Finally, Richard makes his obligatory appearance. Ms. Hamilton should stop beating the dead horse of the Richard/Anita relationship. The fans know that Richard and Anita are bad for each other. Personally, I think Richard should be either be killed off in a noble tragic death and somehow the triumvirate is safely dissolved or Richard should be given his very own monogamous lover and Richard and Anita should just be friends. I am definitely tired of hearing about their toxic relationship over the last four books.

I think I will give Anita Blake's next "adventure" a pass and move on to better written series. If you want some well written and fun vampire/werewolf/dragon romance novels, then try Kresley Cole or Katie MacAlister instead.

i have been a fan from the beginning and i can honestly say dont buy this book. there is verly little or no mystery in this book. just sexual confusion. anita has turned from a strong female lead to a whore. In the previous novels there was always an interesting storyline and sexual tension. I would rally and hope anita would win in her fight against the demons(monster)badguys etc. now in this book she comes off as weak,pathetic. jean claude comes off as gay and weak. I wish she would find herself again. hated this book entirely.

I am a huge fan of this series and I love love Anita Blake. But what the heck is this? This cannot be seriously an actual book. This book had not plot, no action, just same ole whining and same old discussions with some sex thrown in. This was just a terrible disappointment and was painful to keep reading.

I skimmed the last half of The Harlequin because it was just too pathetic, but then forced myself to go back and read it to give it a fair shake. But this one I could not even finish. I cannot believe that a once strong character with her own set of rules and an actual moral code could be reduced to such a mindless, skanky bimbo. It's been speculated that a different author penned some of the later books, but it could almost be argued that a different author writes each chapter. In the beginning, phrases were repeated here and there. Then as the series continued, the repetition increased from chapter to chapter. In this last attempt, phrases and words are repeated over and over and over again, sometimes in the same passage. I'm beginning to wonder if mental illness, drugs, and/or alcohol are causing the writer to forget what she or he just wrote. Or maybe the author is actually retarded. The dialogue doesn't even make any sense. WHY didn't anyone read this dreck before it was published? Are editors so hard to find? I'll be sending my copy back with a refund request -- it's too ridiculous for words that in this day and age a professional editor did not go over these pages in advance. I honestly can't believe it. Anita used to be cool, but now she's nothing but a stupid ho with no self respect. Very disappointing.

I lost my appetite and then became nauseous at each passing chapter of `Blood Noir'. I'm confident that I lost a few pounds just reading this drivel. Ooops! It's not a diet book. It's supposed to be fiction. After `The Harlequin', I vowed to not waste any more money on an LKH `novel'. `Blood Noir' was a gift so I read it. There's no need to go into details about plot, character or general writing ability as they have been fully discussed in other reviews. Suffice it to say, I've written business reports that were better reads than any of LKH's last few books in the AB or MG series.

What the h@#$ happened to the great author of the Anita Blake series books 1-10? After Obsidian Butterfly things went downhill drastically and have yet to start an upward climb. This book was no exception. I was so vested in this series and her characters that I've plodded along through the last 5 books but I can't take it anymore. Scene after scene of (horribly written) "sexcapades" and a plot that went nowhere. *Sigh* I'm (sadly) done. My advice...read the first 10 books in the series then bow out.

I saw Anita Blake at a scifi con last year. She was angry, very defensive and insisting that if everyone hated her books why did they keep selling. The answer to that is we keep buying the next book because we are hoping she will come to her senses and bring the Anita back. It is ridiculous to have a "fifteen page description of a sex act" that takes longer to read that it takes to actually do. I strongly recommend waiting for the paperback on this one. I know characters can't stay static. They have to evolve but her characters and plots have been DEVOLVING for some time now.

I wrote a very long review of this book before but it was never published. Hmmm. I guess if the content of my review is risque enough that it can't be shown on the store you can probably figure out for yourself the content of this book.

This is the first book I have bought by Ms. Hamilton and believe me I will never buy another one of her books. I could not even read this book because apparently the sole purpose of it was to spew forth obsenities and to portray pornographic scenes. I think she tries to use "shock value" as a hook to draw you in, but for me it was a huge turn off. I would never recommend this book or the author to anyone. I hope that someday Ms. Hamilton will broaden her vocabulary because right now it appears that she has a very limited one. Perhaps by increasing her vocabulary she would be able to write a book worth reading.

I've been reading LKH for many years and, overall, am a big fan of both the Anita and the Merry series. I know that not every book is going to be a knockout but what I really hate is when a book that I've been looking forward to leaves me with no strong feelings either way. That's how I feel about Blood Noir. It was...OK. I was thrilled that Jason was a main character in this book but I felt like it could have been condensed. I didn't feel like there was any one strong plot - there were a bunch of small ones that didn't really tie into the long term story arc. You could skip this book in the series and you wouldn't really miss much. If you are already an Anita fan, you'll want to read it. If you haven't read LKH before, I would start with one of the earlier Anitas like Blue Moon or Lunatic Cafe.

BLOOD NOIR is Laurell K. Hamilton's latest in the Anita Blake series. This one is similar to MICAH in that it focuses mainly on developing the relationship between Anita and just one of her men. This time Jason asks her as a friend to accompany him home so that he can reconcile with his Dad, before his Dad dies. But nothing is ever easy. It turns out that Jason is mistaken for the wealthy son of the ex-Governor who is about to run for President. And they get stuck in a media storm, as well as a kidnap threat. Marmee Noir is also playing tricks again with Anita, causing a two day orgy that Anita can't remember, and for which I was glad the reader wasn't subjected to.

I found this book enjoyable, partially for its simplicity. The storyline isn't so complex, the cast, not so large. It focuses mainly on the development of the relationship between Anita and Jason. Jean-Claude remains in the background. But for those of us who still love Richard, there is a new and interesting twist. No, I won't give you a hint about that. Just read it for yourself.

While the sex was hot and steamy, it wasn't the focus of the whole book and I didn't end up feeling like she was just trying to top herself with something new and more erotic in each chapter. Which is good, since I don't think she could top the first union between Anita, Jason, and Nathaniel, which certainly turned me on.

Yes, if you are a fan, it is a definite read. If you haven't found the series, it might be a good start, since it isn't quite so complicated as some of the other books.

Many people have many different opinions and views on the Anita Blake series. I don't blame them Anita seems to have a personality disorder (or transplant) somewhere inbetween Obsidian Butterfly and Narcissus in Chains. Now with that said...

I have read every Anita book. I cried with Anita, laughed with Anita, even wished I could be with Jean Claude like Anita. I understand that Laurell K Hamilton is changing the Anita Blake character and you know what that's ok. She is allowed to write till her heart's content. I personally believe that Dance Macbre was the worst book in the series not Blood Noir.

Blood Noir has less erotic (and by erotic I mean embarassing, like you just walked in on your parents 'crying out') scenes then the previous two books.

Now doesn't that make you hopeful? Blood Noir is actually not a horrible book Anita gets to do a little crime solving, we are not forced to read about the great foursome, with two strangers, escapade, and Richard doesn't bind Anita to him forever.

I have faith fellow mourners that the next Anita Blake book will be even better, and the next better still. Give Ms. Hamilton a few more books to get Anita's personality disorder in check and it will be worth the wait... just remember back to guilty pleasures...

I've been a vocal minority about the poor quality of LKH's work for some time now but have been booed and called names for my lack of support. Finally, others are coming forward. I don't know what LKH has done with Anita but I hope she comes back eventually. I loved the first 8 books and even sifted through the Merry Gentry series but now lay them both to rest. I'll miss the originality of the series but just can't stomach the mind-numbing writing anymore. As long as she's making money, however, I doubt we'll see any changes. Farewell.

I can't believe there's an audience out there that reads this stuff. Poorly written. I MEAN VERY, VERY, POORLY WRITTEN. The publishing house for this book must not go for quality work. If this author can get published, anyone can.

While the Meredith Genrty series has been the stepchild from this author there are too many similarities now in basic writing to ignore.

This book should be called "Anita Goes Away for the Weekend" and posted on the blog than making her fans pay another HARDCOVER price for novella content.

The plot moves nowhere, again! Even though there were so many opportunities to delve deeper! I.E. Las Vegas, Charlston, the Presidential Race, etc...

The last Meridenth Gentry book was nearly the EXACT same weekend!

I was mad the 1st time I paid for this dribble! Now I have done it twice. I am done with this author until we get some actual writing and plot/character development.

I would give this book a minus if I could. Like many others, I LOVED the first 7 (maybe 8) books by LKH. Now I have trouble believing the same person wrote them. I'm sad that I foolishly became so invested in these characters. This book is ridiculous (Anita finds new ((strangers)) to have sex with) and the strong males are barely a side note. She never works, is "famous", and apparently stronger than anyone, anywhere, anytime. I am done with LKH.

LKH are you reading these reviews??? Get a clue girl and fix this series. Thanks to these nice people who took the time to review this item...I know not to buy it. I bought the last two...and regretted every single minute of it. Half the time I was gagging because of the bloated fake sex scenes...or groaning over the bad dialogue and plot.
I was hoping though that you might, just maybe, possibly, fix Anita and resurrect her as the great character she was. Looks like no such luck. Seems that you are just pumping out crapola to make a quick buck instead of sitting down and thinking about a good story line. As a FORMER fan I declare "shenanigans" on your idea of a novel. If you ever had hope to be remembered as a great American novelists that dream is 86'd... you will just be remembered as a great American trash writer. Good luck with sales of the next book.

I am so glad it's not just me. I read a couple of the earlier Anita Blake novels and loved them. I jumped to this latest one and couldn't believe how much they have changed--terrible plot! I thought the (group) sex was riduculous and unnecessary. I will not read anymore Anita Blake books.

Without boring you with the details suffice it to say that this tale is just more of the same as the last 4 books; very little story telling, lots of sex and angst, and a heroine who is ceasing to be interesting. I'm giving mine to the library so people can save their money for better literature. Talk about a diminishing respect for her fans.

I was really looking forward to this book coming out. I've read all of her other books and was a huge fan. The harlequin I thought was a real come back for her. It a shame this book as follow up falls so short. I kept waiting for the story to really pick up and it never really did. I hope from here on out she starts writing less about Anita's sex life. I think its safe to say we all get it by now...Anita has sex and everyone wants her.. move on already. .This book didn't further the overall plot of the series and was missing some of the key characters that make the series great. It was a huge let down and can really be skipped over.

Well, she made it twelve pages in before the sex started. (New record?) The writing is shoddy, the plot line is a joke and the book is an embarrassment. I'm taking it back to BN tomorrow for a refund.

While I once thought I had found one of the most exciting writers in a long time when I first read Anita's adventures. But this is just sad. This book reads like what it is, a quick uninspired effort to make some money. Please dont waste yours. I implore other readers to let Anita rest in peace and remember her as she was. Lurell, please find that place within you where Anita first resided or just leave it be. The series now has the charm of an aging pop star with pec implants.

Sadly, the Anita Blake series has reached abysmal depths with little redeeming value. Blood Noir was so unbearable I returned it after reading only the first few chapters. I don't know where LKH is going but she's finally lost me with this latest travesty.

For those interested in reading a well written vampire series, please try J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brother series while LKH finds the lost spark that used to make her Anita Blake books enjoyable.

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6)

Oh... my... God...

Not a very helpful review I know, but that's all I can think to say. This book was so bad, pointless and poorly written, I am struck dumb by the idea that it was actually written - oh my god - and published too!

Pity I can't give this a negative 3...sigh

Easily the worst in the series. Pointless sex, angst and violence. No story (it seems to abruptly stop in time for a boring cliche ending.) I don't know if Ms. Hamilton is thumbing her nose at her (former) fans or just couldn't be bothered. If you've read every book (like me) please be warned that you'll be disappointed unless you a.) wait for the paperback, b.) buy the hardback at a used bookstore (they should be flying into them soon) or c.) check it out from the library. That I paid for this book is the real horror.

While I once thought I had found one of the most exciting writers in a long time when I first read Anita's adventures. But this is just sad. This book reads like what it is, a quick uninspired effort to make some money. Please dont waste yours. I implore other readers to let Anita rest in peace and remember her as she was. Lurell, please find that place within you where Anita first resided or just leave it be. The series now has the charm of an aging pop star with pec implants.

Sadly, the Anita Blake series has reached abysmal depths with little redeeming value. Blood Noir was so unbearable I returned it after reading only the first few chapters. I don't know where LKH is going but she's finally lost me with this latest travesty.

For those interested in reading a well written vampire series, please try J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brother series while LKH finds the lost spark that used to make her Anita Blake books enjoyable.

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6)

Oh... my... God...

Not a very helpful review I know, but that's all I can think to say. This book was so bad, pointless and poorly written, I am struck dumb by the idea that it was actually written - oh my god - and published too!

Pity I can't give this a negative 3...sigh

Easily the worst in the series. Pointless sex, angst and violence. No story (it seems to abruptly stop in time for a boring cliche ending.) I don't know if Ms. Hamilton is thumbing her nose at her (former) fans or just couldn't be bothered. If you've read every book (like me) please be warned that you'll be disappointed unless you a.) wait for the paperback, b.) buy the hardback at a used bookstore (they should be flying into them soon) or c.) check it out from the library. That I paid for this book is the real horror.

I've been reading the decline of this series but kept hoping it would get better. To be honest I stopped reading after the first chapter and didn't pick it up till a few days later. I was surprised. Its better than her books have been in a long while, my biggest complaint is that the ending was way too rushed. I would've happily spent more time reading it if it had a ending that was written better.

Jason has always been one of my favorite. This book give you a closer look into his past. Can't say much more than that without spoiling it. If you are this far into the series I don't need to sell you on it ;-)

Weak at best, to bad the store doesn't have negative stars. Dragging out this transition is just too painful. If you take out the unrelated sex acts you may have 75 pages, which on my budget is not worth the retail price (I borrowed my copy ). I am now getting my vampire fix from C. Harris and others. LKH better look over her shoulder because there are some really good authors gaining on her.

The Final Empire (Mistborn, Book 1)

as i'm sure it really was, why don't u guys just do what i did when i read my last laurell k. hamilton tome, 5 books ago:
return it.
i used to love her novels also, but the last good one was "obsidian butterfly" and i've refused to read anything after that.
just return it and hit her right where it hurts, which is in the pocket.
check out the book i posted a link to instead. it's ACTUALLY good! what a shocking concept!

After Incubus Dreams, I stopped buying the books. I decided that because I did love the characters, I would get them from the library...and I did. Most have been disappointing, but Noir took a different turn. When Marmee Noir severed the ties between J.C. and Richard, it was a new step. For a long time coming now, there have been indications that the series is going to get darker, that the poop is going to hit the fan. This chapter took a big step in that direction. For once, Anita was alone. And contrary to reported rumors, Jason has not become her whipping boy. Another change, yes, but it adds to her powers. For awhile I was wondering why Anita could gather all this power, becoming a pan-were, the leopard lionne', necromancer, vampire servant, and I believe it is because the darkness is at the gate. The Harlequin was a warning, she has now been warned that her activities are making J.C. look weak, yes, fans have left because of her cafeteria-style bedroom activities. Luckily the ardeur did not take over this book.

I feel like I've been in an abusive relationship. I only discovered this series late last year and was so happy in the beginning. I loved books 1-6. Those were really good times. 7,8 were ok, 9 was brilliant. Then came the drugs - the ardeur - and everything went downhill. But I kept hoping, waiting for things to turn around... and it wasn't so bad at first. But then... Incubus Dreams... and the horror of Micah, which I foolishly thought was an actual book. Imagine my rage at reading Micah after just finishing Incubus Dream. That was a low point. I still thought things could change though. I had stupidly bought all the books at once anyway. And The Harlequin wasn't really so soo bad...

But now after trudging thru Blood Noir I finally see that I don't have to do this. I don't have to put up with this anymore. I deserve better. There is better out there. Listen to me people! You can be free too! No more repetitive phrases, no more pointless sex, no more ardeur as salvation, no more mindless worshipping of Anita by everyone. No more.

Come with me.

When I read 'Danse Macabre' a while ago I said I was calling it quits with Laurell K. Hamilton and her strange new predilection for writing very, very bad porn. Twelve pages into this new novel we're greeted with a twelve page sex scene but surprisingly that's really it for the graphically depicted sexual acts. That at least seems to be a return to her earlier writing style. Unfortunately the book falls flat in many places. There's too much psychoanalysis, yapping and whining. Richard is a total prat, write him out, kill him off, do something Laurell, he's just an annoyance these days. The action takes more than half the novel to build up to and ends too easily with no real resolution. This felt more like filler released just to keep the characters and author's name in people's minds. We'll see what happens with the next book. Here's to hoping for a return to the better days seen in 'Guilty Pleasures' and the other early novels in this series.

I have been a fan of the series since the beginning. This book was probably the worst one. The story goes on and on and on about nothing I care to read about.

To sum it up... Did someone just throw something together to keep the publisher happy and meet a deadline?

I've been an Anita Blake fan for over 10 years now and the books have just been going further and further down hill for a while now. I am trying my hardest not to give up on this series, but it's getting harder and harder as of late. This book is the WORST book in the series. There's too much that happens that isn't important to the plot of the book and the series as a whole.
I've stopped buying them because I'm so disappointed. I really wish that the series would make a move towards it's beginnings and become less sex obsessed.
If you want to know what happens to Anita this time around, get the book from the library because it's not worth keeping in your personal library.

I've yet to have a bad exipence with an anita blake book. I know alot of the reviews show this book to be a let down but I have to say I loved it. If any one is familiar with the series than you most know every book gives another point to the story line. Beside I happened to be a Jason fan and I for one am glad she did a book with alittle more of him. Plus the new characters added are always welcomed, in this story line. After all a girl can't have enough loves, right? I recommend that if you are a fan of this series to not skip over this one.

THIS BOOK COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER THEN WHAT SHE PUT OUT. IT NEED MORE ACTION AND IT IS MISSING SOMETHING. LESS DRAMA AND MORE OF THE OLD ANITA.
SHE SHOULD KEEP WRITING ABOUT ANITA BLAKE BUT; PUT MORE INTO THE BOOKS. THE BOOK WAS OK ON AUDIO IT TOOK ME LONGER TO LISTEN. IT WAS NOT AS BAD AS SOME PEOPLE SAY IT WAS. OK READ!Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 16)
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW ALL OF THIS END WITH ANITA BLAKE.
SO; I HAVE TO SAY I WILL KEEP ON READING OR LISTENING.

I, too, own the entire Anita Blake series, actually I own all of Hamilton's books. I don't read them for classic literature, I read them for fun and entertainment. I read Blood Noir last night in one 5 hour sitting. Does it advance the overall story line? Yes. You learn more about Jason; you find out there is more plotting going on with other Masters; you find out a little more about "Mommy Dearest." Anita discovers a couple of new things about her abilities/powers. It opens potential for several story lines, but I think we all expect the series to be heading toward the "big showdown" with "Mom."

If you don't like the direction the series is going, why continue reading them? There are those of us who enjoy them, and I'm very disappointed in the store for what appears to be encouraging the negativity with the tag suggestions.

Why not 5 stars? Nothing is perfect.

I can't say it better than this:

If I wanted porn - I'd rather watch it then read it. I'd get more out of it.

I was so addicted to Anita Blake and the character. But the last few books have just been trash in my eyes. And no, I'm not a prude. FAR FAR FAR from it.

This book has the least substance of them all for me. It's a waste of paper it was printed on.

I have been a fan of these books for so long its not funny. I've read the entire series over a dozen times at least. Only CS Lewis got that kind of loyalty from me.

And unlike some who stopped enjoying these books many books ago, I have remained a fan. But this time I'm done. There was no plot (but I had gotten use to that), no progression of story line, half the book the others have been, no action, the exact same character dialog from every other book, and this time the sex was lame.

This time we didnt get Quality or Quantity.

What an awful book. Poorly written. I never thought sex could be so boring. I seldom put a book down after I start reading it. I could take no more of this thing after the first two chapters. I stopped reading and threw it into an airport recycle bin.

I was really hoping for some meat in this one. It looked promising, like it was going to have some semblance of a plot, but alas, it was like sitting in a sailboat in the middle of the dead sea with no wind to direct. this story had no direction, and for heaven's sake, lets stop dredging up characters just to abuse them! (read richard) There are so many more characters that are left on the back burner that could help the plot, but LKH is using this space to flog her ex. Give it a rest please! This story could have been better if: my dog had been given a typewriter, AND if he was helped along by 100 monkeys. Stick a fork in me i'm done. No more moola for you, LKH, you'll have to get your money from the true and dense.

I waited for this book to come into paperback as I don't have a great deal of disposable income right now. As a consequence of waiting, I had seen plenty of negative comments about this book. Let me say right now to anyone who is ready to read the whole book, not the first 30 pages, this is a great book. In these books -- Micah & Blood Noir -- LKH is showing us these characters who happen to be werewolves or wereleopards, human servants, and necromancers; she has written about their lives underneath all the glamour and glitz. These are the moments when friendship matters, reaching out a hand to someone in need is what really counts instead of impressing visiting masters or a new werewolf clan's meeting site. It is also a book about Jason growing up in many ways; going back to the painful moments of a family that did not love him or accept him as he was. I thought this was a strong book, the many defects other reviewers have pointed out seemed very overblown to me. I don't want to spoil the book for those who are reading this review and thinking about buying the book, so I am not going to go into each specific complaint save to say this: I personally did not feel any weakness to the story or its plot due to a character's name or underlying subplots. If you liked Micah, Blood Noir is definitely its equal and is sufficiently longer as well. Also, if you liked this series and Jason, I think this book is a must read because it shows a lot of truths about Jason the man, not just Jason the werewolf stripper.

Sigh... I read Lunatic Cafe again the other day, and it made me sad. Sad because I just can't figure out how LKH managed to turn such an amazing heroine and storyline into what are, at best, poorly written romance novels. Frankly, I question whether the early Anita Blake stuff was even written by Hamilton given how stark the thematic and writing quality differences are between then and now. Suffice to say, I am done. Blood Noir will be the last $18 the Hamilton franchise gets from me.

The last novel I read was Narcissus in Chains. With each new novel, I come out here and read the reviews - just to see if the series has improved. I'm sad to say that it doesn't sound like it. It also doesn't sound like I missed much in the last 5 novels.

I saw on another page where LKH doesn't read reviews of her books. Maybe she should start. She may get an idea that her fans are truly dissatisfied with her work.

I keep hoping the series will change direction but from reading the reviews I can see that I will not be buying any more. I broke down and got the last book but this time I will not be wasting my time and money. If I wanted to buy porn there are many more books and movies I could find. If I could give minus 100 stars I would. It's a shame because I really liked the series in the beginning.

I used to say that I was disappointed at the turn of the Anita Blake series, but no longer. Now it's time to say goodbye.

I had hoped that with The Harelquin, the sexual revolution that had overthrown what had been a fantastic character and series was coming to an end. I was mistaken. I've been forcing myself to continue to buy this series, but when it's over, it's over.

This book has no plot, no believable dialogue, nor anything of interest. All of its flaws have been outlined well by other reviewers, so I will only add that I would recommend to readers new to the series to begin with book one and end at book eight.

Originally, Anita was a powerhouse character. She had standards and aquired power as the books progressed. I very much enjoyed the developing coldness of Anita, particularly her pragmatic decision to torture someone to get information about Richard's kidnapped family.

Anita still defines herself as a vampire executioner and necromancer. When was the last time she actually executed a vampire? Killing them with "love" doesn't count. What happened to the blood and guts of this series? As for being a necromancer, I couldn't point to the last book in which she raised the dead. Isn't that supposed to be how she earns a living? Did she win the lottery somewhere in the series and I missed it? Every now and then she says something about "my job" or "my boss" and it throws me every time.

Perhaps Ms. Hamilton should consult a necromancer herself in an effort to resurrect her skill as a coherent and exciting story teller.

Ultimately the responsibility for the incredible decline of this series - and of the author's writing - rests solely with the editor and publishing house. When they saw what was happening with the series, they should have suggested - no insisted - that Ms. Hamilton start a new series to explore her sexuality, and let Anita alone. Or end the Anita series entirely.

The only ones to blame that this series continues to be published is us, the fans of the original Anita Blake. If we stopped spending money on these "books," the publisher would stop printing them. It's about the numbers, people, and I for one am not going to be counted for this author anymore.

I own all of the Anita books and this by far was the worst. I have enjoyed the books where Anita has character development and a purpose. This book is all about how many different people she can do. And let's not forget another Richard scene where he can't handle what is going on.... yet again....

Save your money.... check a trash can... I am sure there will be plenty of copies landing there.

I have been an anita blake fan for years, and I can't express how sad these last few books have made me. The exciting plots and strong characters have been replaced with long, rather boring, sex scenes. I keep hoping things will turn around but it seems to be getting worse with each book. I think this will be my last, it was a struggle to get through.

I really LOVE Anita and her "gang". And I also like that LKH takes the time to explain the complicated feelings all the central characters have for one another. Because it IS all so very complicated. But we have come so far with SO many characters for so long, it seems to me that some of them (ASHER!) need their own series.

My main criticism is that the story line does NOT seem to advance. In the last several books, things happen in such a compressed period of time (and usually place) that true character development AND story line advancement can't really occur.

So, I'd also like to see the story line move forward a bit faster. Because I really like so many of the supporting characters in this series, I would like to see some short "back stories" on some of the characters - perhaps published separate from the main story line.

Like Belle Morte - come on, I can't be the only one who secretly admires the ole gal. I'd love to see the Traveler cause some more trouble.....

It was alright; the only thing I really liked about this one was the fact that it seems like Richard won't be so freaking angry in the future. I love that character and I couldn't stand the fact that his character was being turned into such a jerk about everything. I hope that at some point LKH will let Richard work through his issues. Other than that, I think that this was a book that I could easily forget, kind of like "Micah".

I admit that I am a huge LKH fan and have loved all the books up to this point, but I was a bit disapointed with Blood Noir. I enjoyed getting up close and personal into Jason's life, but there was not enough story that included the rest of the characters that we know and love. And is it me or is Richard becoming this whiner that can't stop compaining?! I would have sworn that Anita all but cast him out in the last book.

The end of Blood Noir left too many things unsaid and the book just did not seem finished. 340 pages was just not enough-the end seemed too rushed. I am hoping that the next book ties things up better and that we don't have to wait another year and wonder.

I was so disappointed. I waited and waited for this book to come out since it was announced in February on my Kindle it was coming. Then the Kindle higher ups tried to overcharge us for the Kindle version. I was very disappointed about that as well.

I have loved Anita Blake since the first book. I would like to say that after 16 books, it is hard to think of something new to write about. It is hard to keep ALL the characters in place. Jason did need some attention, but I don't think that Jason was a character that needed attention. We did meet some new characters that could become more, but then again, it is one more male in her bed.

Patrica Cromwell did the same thing with her novels of Kay Scarpetta. After "Blow Fly", I feel her books took the same turn. The characters became confusing and unnecessary.

It is sometimes hard for a writer to focus on a series of books when there are more than one series of books being written. Ms. Hamilton has cranked out several books in the last few years and I'd hate to say it, when one book series is going well becuase the characters are new and exciting, it is hard to get the old characters running in a previous series. I feel this is what is happening with Anita and the gang. Ms. Hamilton just gave us some to read.

I have read all 15 books of Anita Blake and given them all 5 stars and can only hope that the future books will find some clarity for Anita. We all get the point that she is very nervous, very upset about the vampire marks, all the men in her life and Marmi Noir. It is time to get on with all the characters. I think I'm tired of reading about Richard and his hang ups. I agree with the other readers in concern of Richard. It is time for Richard to piss or get off the pot.

Something needs to go forward or wrap up this series up. As much as I hate to say it. Again, I have loved this series until this book.

Boring, repetitive, boring, silly, boring, pointless and boring.

Yeah, I know I repeated "boring" four times. But Hamilton has repeated the same silly phrases throughout her last couple books, too.

After books 8 or 9 I figured I'd start reading the Gentry books. But after how bad this series has gone down hill, I am so NOT going to do so.

I was so excited when I first heard of this book, but then I started reading it and was let down. I am a fan of this series and have been for years, but this book made me sad. I was sort of like when I bought Micah and expected a good story. In this book there is too much pointless sex and yet more new characters for Anita to try to work into her already WAY overcrowded bed. Save your money and read cliff notes.

What happened? Did Ms Hamilton forget she had a dead line and just threw something together? I have always praised her books, but as you can imagine not this one. She waited till dam near the end of the book to have Jason kidnapped! Very poorly thought out and written, and after waiting a year sorry I purchased it. Hope the one for Merry Gentry is better.

There are some underlying good things about this book:
first of all, yes we are all tired of Anita whining about her fear of committment. But, I think that her character has finally accepted her lifestyle and I saw this more than ever in this book. She kept bringing up topics from the past and as I braced for a long speech about why she is against something, she surprised me by just saying that she is okay with it. (That's just an example).

Secondly, getting to know Jason a little more was a great thing. His character has always intrigued me and I was really attached to him byt he end of the story.

Lastly, there was an improvement in the number of sexual encoutners in the book. I mean, don't get me wrong, some of LKH's stuff is really good but this wasn't a epic orgy like previous installments have turned out to be. I would like sex to be discussed less but I think this was a good starter book. I hope that she continues to move in a different direction.

Also, I am really excited about Marmee Noir's interest in Anita. I think that Necromancy should be the central topic in her next book and I want to see Anita put in situations in which she uses her true calling. Afterall, I picked Guilty Pleasures up long ago because a girl who could raise the dead living in a world full of vampires seemed down right awesome. Let's hope we get back that spark.....

I have just finished Blood Noir and others have hit the perverbial nail on the head. It basicly all takes place in a hotel room, more sex with strange wereanimals and Richard pops up to whine and complain. It was sooo boring, perdictable and useless. I think she should fire her ghost writer and get back to the real Anita. Include the sex and friends but get a plot will ya!

**NOTE** THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS

First things first.....

To anyone who bashes those who feel that Laurell K Hamilton ahs sold out from writing a strong, femmale lead and turned the stories into B level porn, grow up. If you continue to be a fan of the series, good for you, but save the drama for your mam or better yet save it for Ms. LKH because her books are sadly lacking it and have been since Obsidian Butterfly.

I will say I still read the series and will likely continue to because its like a train wreck or better yet, like reality TV; you want to look away because its just horrific, but you can't seem to roll down your eyelids and scream ENOUGH!

I started this series years ago and loved each and every one up untill Obsidian Butterfly and then...all heck broke loose.

As a fellow writer I understand the selling out-hey, her new "writing style" attracted a following that helped make her big enough to gain a riduclously long book deal with the AB series and then another spinoff with the graphic novel series for AB. Money talks and I GET THAT. No issues there, but what irritates the kool-aid out of me is when she and her cronies claim "its for the growth of the character." BS. Yes Anita B has done soem growing but the strong , ruthless woman she was gets lots in the sex and LKH I fel, has been turning her into a pseudo super hero as of late with ehr gaining powers like a Master Vamp and making it so eventually, nothing she comes up against will be bigger r badder than she is. One of the early Anita's charms was that she knew all too well she was human and the limitations that imposed so she worked at being tough. Now its just natural and a bit false.

But thats my rant. lets get onto the book shall we?

It was bad. Plain and simple. After her last book "The Harlequin," i had hopes for this one but unfortunately it fell flat. I loved that Jason had a starring role because I have always liked him, but too much just seemed a stretch in this book, like LKH was running out of ideas. That might be why the book was so much charter than Incubus Dreams and some of her mroe recent books.

The whole "mistaken identity" aspect seemed a bit trite even when it was explained in a "DOH so THATS IT!" moment at the end. Extremely contrived and just a way to se up the events that needed a basis to fly off of.

Werewolf stripper Jason drops by Anita's house to whine that his estranged dad is dying, and he's broken up with his girlfriend because she wanted monogamy. Instead of a well written scene comforting while clothes, this opens the book with a three-way. Now yes I know that LKH LOVES to sex it up lately so that didnt bug me but it did in the sense that it seemed a little forced and Nathaniel suddenly being dominant..just seemed off base especially since in the last books he still wasn't a top. But cest la vie.

Anita comforts jason andagrees to pose as his girlfriend so he can prove to his dad that he isn't gay. But when they arrive, Anita finds that Jason is one of several look-alike men in his hometown (cue the contrived mistaken identity thing again), and one of them is his wealthy engaged cousin whom he "always got mistaken for" and who he is mistaken for again, landing hima nd Anita in the middle of a Vamp turf war because said cousin is banging the Master Vamp's wife.

It also causes a few mini crises, as Anita finds out that weird tabloid rumors in St. Louis are jeopardizing Jean-Claude's position. (hence making her and Jason realize they must be "punished" to secure Jean Claude's standing. Eventually its agreed upon they all 'come out of the closet" so Jean Claude just looks like a bisexual Machevellian to the "Council" rather than a straight chump who cannot control his. Apparently if he shares Anita's men, then she is not really running around on him.... Cue ground work for MORE sex and three ways in the next book. At least we will see more of Asher and he is always a delicious hot mess.) Meanwhile local vampires are gunning for Jason because he looks just like his cousin.

Marmee Noir also makes a reappearence, dragging the weretigers into the mix which i did find an interesting twist and I HOPE that LKH takes that opportunity to build a STORY rather than just another partner in AB's bed.

Maybe LKH just needs a break. She's so close to making this a 20 book series and most never make it that long for a reaso; you start over-complicating simple plots and oversimplifying plausibly complicatesd ones.

Richard shows up to be the whiney boy we have all come to love to hate and lo and behold, HE gains a new power, cries about it and then leaves muttering as the violins play, about what a monster he is.

Jean Clause played a cameo. He seemed to be growing back the backbone AB ripped out and I hope he becoems the devilish Machevillian manipulator once more. He was thw ultimate bad boy and this new monk status of his is just a no go, especially when you see how ruthless the other Masters they've coem into contact with lately, are.

Anita didn't do it for me in this till the end when she showed more of the old Anita in how efficiently she handled a mess and saved the day. But the "I'm so torn-because-I-don't-know-if-I-just-want-to-bone-him-or-fall-in-love-with-him" dialogue is OLD. I udnerstood it for Jean Claude, then Micah then Nathaniel but now Jason too?

Essentially the whole book was summed up with: "Jason and I would never be one another's one and oonly but we might always be each other's once in awhile."

It took 336 pages for AB to come up with the same conclusion Jason voiced early on in the book "they're friends with benefits." Subsequently, he is the only character I liked in the book because he remained true to himself-he grew up a little but remained Jason in essence.

At this point it seems LKH ismaking it up as she goes along, throwing in plot twists and contrived crises whenever the book lags (and it DOES lag)but most of those twists don't get handled. They just fade aay like the Master of the Vampire crisis with Jason's cousin Keith. He just "mysteriously died."

I WILL admit there isn't much sex in this book-just that first opening scene, then AB and Jason and later an orgy none of them remember so its not described to us in 4chapters (THANK GOD!) BUT with that said...Breakups, personal crises, metaphysical problems and threats are all handled by Anita having sex with somebody-when of course her sex life isn't nationally covered.

All in all the title was great, but the book sux. As said earlier, I will continue to read her books, either by getting them through the library or buying them and then RETURNING them for the ultimate fakeout. Call it my silent rebellion.

All I can say is

Anita Blake...where ARE YOU?!!!!
"

I lvoed this series when it started but it went to hell when Anita and Jean-Claude first slept together. I own, and have re-read the first 7 or 8 books religiously, but after that, I started getting them from the library to avoid paying for the drivel that LKH spews now.

Kind of whacky...cancer and sex, vampires and celeb's, with a little who populated the entire town with the same look...Leaves you looking for something with a little substance. Like the TV Guide? I know she can do better...

Who wrote this vomit? That's really all I can say. One of two things has happened here: either Hamilton never wrote the earlier works, or she's not writing them now. I mean, come on! Forget the sex, forget the poor spelling and grammar, or the character assassinations...this was just horrible writing! Boring and nothing that expands on the overall plot. People, wake up, we're having our pockets picked. She just doesn't care about her work anymore, this book proves it. Never again, Hamilton, never again. AND I returned this one to the bookstore! Waste of money.

This was probably the worst of all of her books. For the first hundred plus pages you had nothing but a big ol' Dr. Phil session. The only reason why I kept reading is for the bleek prospect that some real action would occur. When something finally did happen I read through it so fast I had to read it twice just to get a fuzzy feeling. I pray that for her next book she gets back on track because I truely enjoy this series and love to see how it develops.

I love every book in the series so far. Getting a little crazy with the sexual ventures but it still keeps me interested. I do find I have to force myself to put the book down as I tend to binge read this series!

I generally loved Hamilton's first 6 books or so in the Anita Blake series. Obsidian Butterfly is one of my all time favorite books, period. But don't waste your time on this one (Blood Noir) if you're looking for a serious book. The first 280 pages are all fluff and filler and long, drawn out angst. The actual story only happens in the last 20 pages or so. Buy it as a used paperback in a year if you really want to read this one.

This author doesn't have a clue how to keep this popular series going. This was the worst book yet. I'm done with reading about endless angst, a character who meanders through her life in one joyless sex scene after another, and the total lack of plotline. Argggh, I enjoyed the earlier books but I guess success has killed the golden goose and all we readers get is the stuff on the floor of the henhouse.

This book is neither a great work, nor a terrible farce. It's another soap opera moment in the preternautural world that is Anita Blake. If you hate every book that came after Obsidion Butterfly, you'll hate this one too. However if you genuinely like the other books, this one isn't bad. Firstly, except for the intro it's missing the detailed orgies of previous books. Truly, it's lacking the pizazz that the jacket blurb seems to promise about Marmee Noir, but it is a beautiful character development for Jason. It delves into his and Anita's friendship and gives you a really good look into who he is and why he is. It also brings questions to light. Why is it Anita is still so clueless about what goes on around her regarding vampire politics, you want to just say,"girl take the blinders off and get on with reality already."
This book is more of a set up of what is to come. It provides a great deal of development of Jason, at last some resolution for Richard (and perhaps new troubles), and hopefully if it lives up to its promise, a new maturity and acceptance level for Anita.

To sum it up: Buy it if you really like series, get it from the library if you just want to follow the story but don't want to pay for just background on characters, and don't read it if you hate the series because you won't like any better then previous books.
I bought, I liked it, I'm keeping it.

I promised myself I wouldn't suffer through another vacuous Laurell Hamilton entry to the Anita Blake saga. Yet I did it again. I will err no more. What was once a fabulous series has deteriorated to tedious and insipid sex scenes which attempt to mask lack of plot and increasingly impoverished writing skills. It makes me sad to read something so boring and tacky when the series used to be wonderful and imaginative.

First of all, let me say...yes I know those of you that are upset with Laurell K. Hamilton and that are punishing anyone that doesn't give the book a 1 star aren't going to be real happy with me. Just let me remind you that it says is this review helpful to you, not do you agree with it.

Anyway, once I gave up that Ms. Hamilton isn't going to go back to the "old" Anita then I have enjoyed these books for what they are. The first part of the series was about Anita, the vampire executioner. Then as she slowly started to get to know the Master of the City and the leaders of the other were-animals she started to change. I think that's what most people do. They change. Most of us aren't the same as we were in high school and definitely don't want to be. I'm not the same person I was before my dad died recently. I'm enjoying these books for the change that Anita has went through. I don't know yet if I like the path she is going down but I am interested in following her just a little longer.

I enjoy politics. Love them actually so I like the change in how the books are going. They are delving into the world of vampire and were-animal politics. How they rule their societies without getting humans into trouble. I liked how Ms. Hamilton sent Jason away with Anita. I enjoyed getting to know more about Jason and eventually Anita's childhoods. I liked how Richard is finally evolving into someone that I thought he might be from book 3. I liked that Ms. Hamilton has introduced the were-tigers into Anita's world and the part they may play. Now I agree with most that read these books, the sex at times is a little much. I am getting tired of how Anita is finding new partners at the drop of a hat and that she's not even having relationships with them now. Do I miss the mysteries and the action of the first 10 books in this series? Yes. Am I enjoying how we see how the characters think and feel now? Yes. Do I miss Dolph and the guys from R.I.P? Yes. Do I love the politics and how Ms. Hamilton is taking her time developing everything? Yes. I would highly recommend this book to people looking at seeing how Anita is changing and why. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone that wants the action, killings and mystery of old.

I did not purchase this book. I got it from the library. Having said that, I am glad that I did not purchase this book.

I read it cover to very short 340 pages worth of cover. Happy not to have paid for such a small amount of material and there was nothing new. No new advancement of plot. And I'm sure there are people out there who will say the minute bits of scenes with the Mother of All Darkness did advance the plot, but nope not really.

And one more Richard sappy, whiny moment! I mean did we not go through this in Cerulean Sins, Incubus Dreams, Danse Macabe, the Harlequin. Yup, go back and read and you will see that indeed it is feeling like Groundhog's Day where the Richard moments are concerned. I mean I'm fine with the ardeur. Gain ever evolving powers, but do you ever do anything with them but chase imaginary creatures away in your head and body? How many times must she pass a new beast on to another person? Read & done. YAWN!

Does Anita even work anymore? Is the business still even open? Micah works more than she does. He's always away on coalition business.

A little zombie raising & mystery solving goes a long way and this way nothing of the sort comes.

Take a long rest Laurell. Noone needs this sorry excuse of a novel every year. I don't know if your publishers put that in your contract, but dang it go on strike until you can get some of your mojo back. Solve some crimes, find some mysteries. Anything but what you have been doing will be great!

In anticipation of the release of this book, I re-read (for the 3rd or 4th time) all of the prior books in the series. I consider myself to be a true fan. I started reading Blood Noir as soon as I got it. Just after the first two chapters I became concerned about the quality of the story but I had such faith in the author that I continued on. After a few more chapters of hoping the tide would turn, I realized I was reading it not for the enjoyment of the book but to just get it over. It was such a disappointment.

This was an utter disappointment. Blood Noir seemed more a throw-away short story than a developed plot line. The "erotica" was in no way erotic, and there seemed to be little else to the story.

Someone needs a new editor.

I have to admit, although the plot does not really go anywhere, I still enjoyed this book. I'm at a loss as to why people continue to read Hamilton's book and complain about them. If they do not want to read the same sexual stories that go nowhere, then stop reading. Instead of spending money, reading, and then complaining... give it up. You have to have learned by now that the stories are all going to be the same in the sense that they add to the endless overall plot. I enjoyed this book for what it's worth, but if you're looking for a big change from the last 14 novels, don't read it. More sex, more blood, and more Anita.

Less sex than usual, which was a nice change. I liked the story on this one, the plot with the multiple-tiger strands thickens and it leaves alot of questions about that whole tiger-problem. A nice addition to the series.

As an avid fan of Laurell K. Hamilton's writing, I have become a bit disappointed in recent years with the lack of plot in her books. I am all for the steamy scenes, but at some point the nonstop sex loses its impact and becomes trite.

"Blood Noir" seems to harken back to the older books in terms of less convoluted and pervasive sex. The plot is thinner than some of the earlier books, but for a light read, it is not bad. Laurell K.'s writing style is always enjoyable.

This is the first of Laurell K. Hamilton's books that I COULD put down. The others (and I've read them all multiple times), I couldn't put down. I read the first 100 pages and still no plot - I was so bored that I set it aside for a couple of weeks and had to force myself to finish it. I'd waited so long and was SO disappointed after The Harlequin, which I loved! I hope this book is a fluke and not a trend. I've talked with probably 10-15 people who have read the book and felt the same disappointment. She's the best author out there - I hope the next book has more plot than sex.....or at least equal amounts!!

There was no continuation of the Anita Blake series just a bunch of pointless drama. The Anita Blake series is slowly slipping away. I waited so long for another book and it was a huge disappointment. If you really want to read it then I suggest you get it from a library or wait until its like $0.88

After reading the book, all I can pretty much say is that there is no where near the amount of sex as there usually is.Though I may have not taken any breaks when reading this, looking back I can hardly remember what the book was even about. I can only hope that this was a "filler" book - a lousy one at that - and the next book will have a plot, still less sex, and all the characters will be back to their semi-normal selves.

Update 6/9/08: 2 1/2 stars (can't seem to change the rating)

I finished reading the book this morning and... I didn't hate it. After the issue with the Kindle pricing and the reviews which pretty much told the story, I started reading with a negative frame of mind but ended up enjoying it more than I expected. I've always liked the Jason character so I was interested in the book.

I didn't feel it was like "Micah", which should have been a short story in an anthology as far as I'm concerned. "Blood Noir" was more of a side dish leading up to what I hope will be a better meal. There was more substance and a bit more action to this book than "Micah" (some actual vampire killin'). It's closer to a "bridge" book than I would have thought.

The rampant sex was toned down but the first 4 sex chapters could have been dropped. Those chapters should have been whittled down to one which gave us the back story on Jason and Perdy's relationhip and the set-up for the trip. The sex was unnecessary.

There is still too much Richard bashing (my favorite character) for my taste but there is a glimmer of hope that things will get better for him.

I was ready to give up on the series but I will stick around for the next book and take it from there. Maybe LKH can work her way back closer to the pre-ardeur Anita.

I'm glad the Kindle price came down so I could read this book.

*****

I know this isn't really the place to put this but I'm ticked. Today is the release date of Blood Noir and the hard cover is selling for $17.13 but the Kindle version is $20.76. What's up with that?

Update: In case no one reads the comments to my "review", I want to add a bit more information.

I have not read the book but I didn't want anyone accidentally paying more for the Kindle version than the hard cover and you can't leave a comment without giving some kind of rating. This was the best way I could think of to stop that from happening. As it is, they have dropped the price to $15.42 since I posted my "review". I could have picked any star rating but I chose 1 star. I'm holding out for $9.99 or the paperback.

Update 5/28/08: The Kindle price is still $15.42 but now the hard cover is $15.57. A 5 cent difference. Bring the Kindle price down.

Update 5/30/08 afternoon: $15.57, Kindle version = $14.01

Update 6/4/08: The price FINALLY dropped to $9.99. I have purchased it and will update with a *real* review after I've read it.

I didn't like this book as well as Harlequin, but at least it had a mystery or two to keep me entertained. I didn't like going through the whole book with only two phone calls from Jean-Claude. He's the biggest reason I stick with the series even though I loathe the ardeur. Richard's little problem could be interesting, but I'll be really happy if Hamilton doesn't zap us with the details. I did like seeing more of Jason. He's always been one of my favorites of the secondary characters.

I guess the difference between readers who give 3 stars or above and those who give below, is whether you have accepted one single fact and moved on.

Anita is not going to stop.

The number of men that gather around her is not going to stay at a number. It may go up or go down, but never stop.

I used to feel disgusted and annoyed at the sex scenes, the endless lines of men who crawl over the ground for her attention.

Then suddenly, it smacked me in the head. Its part of the story line. Get over it and keep reading.

And to be honest, I felt a whole lot better when reading Blood Noir after that.

I do have to admit that I kind of skimmed through the first few scenes. I understood that it was needed, but that didn't mean I had to give it my full attention.

The plot got interesting when Anita flew to Jason's old town, and the Summerlands got involved.
I was a bit disappointed with the involvement of the non-supernautral (e.g. the Summerlands). The last scene with the kidnapping and torture was a bit downplayed, as if the author didn't have enough time to write it, or didn't have enough pages left.

I did like the part with the weretigers, Richard and the wolves, and Jason. It wasn't that bad. And it was good to see Richard finally moving along, somehow that it.

I have to be honest, if you don't like it, can't accept it, just don't read it or buy it. Stop crowding the board with all those reviews that just make me plain bored.

Imagine the horribly malformed love-child of "Days Of Our Lives," Anne Rice and some really bad Mary Sue fan fiction.

That is the most accurate description I can think of for "Blood Noir," the fifteenth novel in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series. Since it's a rather lame little novella pumped up to novel size, Laurell K. Hamilton spins up artificial drama and endless sexual angst that never really goes anywhere or does anything, but fills up plenty of pages. By the end, you'll be wondering what the point is.

Werewolf stripper Jason drops by Anita's house to whine that his estranged dad is dying, and he's broken up with his girlfriend because she wanted monogamy. Three guesses which is considered more traumatic -- monogamy or cancer.

So Anita comforts him the only way she knows how, and then agrees to pose as his girlfriend so he can prove to his dad that he isn't gay. Apparently his family is more worried about his sexuality than about his being a werewolf. But when they arrive, Anita finds that Jason is one of several look-alike men in his hometown, and one of them is a wealthy engaged stud who is having an affair with the wife of a local Master vampire. This, needless to say, stokes up lots of bad feelings.

It also causes a few personal crises, as Anita finds out that weird tabloid rumors in St. Louis are jeopardizing Jean-Claude's position, and local vampires are gunning for Jason because he looks just like his cousin. Unfortunately this is only the start of her problems, since the ancient vampire matriarch Mother of All Darkness is waking up -- or I should say, STILL waking up after several books -- and causing yet more trouble for Anita.

For your information, "Blood Noir" was originally a novella. But while the page-count has expanded to that of a full-length novel, Laurell K. Hamilton fails to expand the story along with it -- it still has a novella-sized plot, which appears to have been cribbed from the wastepaper basket of a hack TV writer. We've got lookalikes, confusion, family drama, and embarrassing headlines. Even the name of Jason's cousin -- Keith Summerland -- sounds lifted from a soap.

And Hamilton is pretty clearly making it up as she goes along, throwing in plot twists and contrived crises whenever the slow-moving plot starts lagging. Unfortunately she doesn't actually deal with the fallout of these twists -- most of them just putter out and never really get dealt with. Presumably Hamilton either got tired of writing and wanted to wrap up the book, or she didn't want to write any dramatic scenes that don't involve lots of orgasms, bodily fluids and Anita.

While there isn't as much plotless sex as in some of Hamilton's other books, sex is still the sole driving force of "Blood Noir." Breakups, personal crises, metaphysical problems and threats are all handled by Anita's sex'n'powers combo -- and even in the sex-free portions of the book, the characters' sex lives are what propel things onward.

And sadly, those people's sex lives are more ludicrously silly than genuinely sexy. Anita has inexplicably become a tabloid celebrity more famous than A-list starlets, and Keith's fiancee is only able to identify Jason by staring at his penis. I wish I had made this up, but I couldn't.

Anita continues to be a standard Mary Sue self-insert -- she's abrasive as a power sander, smart as a cinder block, adored and feared by all around her, and develops a new supernatural power every time she sneezes. Comically enough, her sex life is apparently the stuff of national interest now, despite the fact that she basically doesn't do anything to warrant anyone's interest except collect vampires and werebeasties for her expansive harem.

Thankfully that harem is rarely glimpsed in this book, and it's soon obvious why this is a good thing. The supposedly suave Jean-Claude has become needy and clingy, the appallingly creepy Nathaniel acts like a pimp, and Jason has been transformed into a self-absorbed slut who treats non-Anita women like sex toys. And Hamilton takes yet another pot-shot at Richard, dragging him into the plot just so Anita can remind us why we are supposed to hate him. Doesn't work.

"Blood Noir" is neither noir nor bloody, and the thin plot is stretched to the breaking point with lots of bad sex, whining, and plot twists that stupefy rather than shock. Truly ghastly -- and not the good way either.

Jean-Claude's pomme de sange Lycan Jason visits his master's human servant vampire executioner and living vampire who feeds off of sex, Anita Blake to ask his friend to accompany him as his pretend lover when he visits his dying estranged father. Anita agrees when Jason informs her that his father refuses to speak to him not due to his lycanthropic condition, but because the older man believes his son is homosexual.

Jason and Anita arrive to find out that Keith Summerland, who looks like Jason's twin, is getting married this weekend. Pretending affection in public Jason kisses Anita in front of a reporter causing a scandal in which other Masters consider grabbing the seemingly weakened Jean-Claude's territory. To prevent this Jean-Claude will have to display anger in public and punish his errant servants.

Meanwhile first vampire Marmee Noir, the Mother of All Darkness and asleep for a millennium, is attracted to Anita's powers. She strikes at Anita and Marmee Noir makes her have sex with two shapeshifters including a were-tiger. Anita feels another metaphysical tiger in her body. Jason and Anita still worry about an enraged vampire because Keith married the wife of the Master of the City; and the Master Vamp wants the interloper dead. The authorities fear for the lives of Jason and Anita while she also has to deal with Marmee Noir without the help of Jean-Claude

BLOOD NOIR is very different in tone than the previous books in the Anita Blake saga as the heroine for the most part costars with one man rather than her usual male queue. This allows the audience to see another side of the vampire slayer as she shows she can relate to a man with being in love with him; an extraordinary concept. Although well written, too many key unanswered questions involving Marmee Noir exist, which subtracts from an otherwise strong tale as Anita proves to herself she can enjoy without love sans guilt. Blake fans will appreciate how far the star goes for a friend.

Harriet Klausner

Let me just begin by saying that it's fair to say that Anita isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I love the series and have only been mildly disappointed once or twice in the past.

But Blood Noir doesn't disappoint; having read all of the previous Anita books, this one is a nice progression of her -verse. I liked seeing how the Mother of All Darkness is flexing her magical muscle and how she's putting the fear of her into everyone.

I liked the intro and back story of born tigers. Good to know that Richard is an @$$ with or without Anita's rage. And I really liked getting to know Jason better.

My only issue is that we never got to meet Keith. And Bobbi never got it shoved in her face that she was oh so very wrong about her brother.

I really enjoyed Jason's book. It's nice to see what's behind the flirt and the body.

I have read all of the Anita Blake books. I am torn on them at this point. I miss the original Anita but I am not so much of a prude to be like SHE CAN NEVER HAVE SEX...EVER!!! I think that Laurell does her best in blending the old and the new. Does she get carried away sometimes...yes. Does she not explain everything like she should...yes. Are the Anita Blake books still popular and good reads...YES! I don't really get the title or the cover art b/c it has nothing to do with the book but I still enjoyed it. I am not really a fan of any of the books where Anita travels outside of St. Louis but this was okay. I am glad that she explored Jason and Anita's relationship. I was not happy about the orgy with the new weretigers but it was bound to happen. I think people need to back of Laurell. This is her series and she has the FREEDOM to write what she wants. If you don't like it...THEN STOP READING IT!!! I will continue to follow Anita. I love her...and I don't want to sleep with her.

Great story on all levels, lots of blood, sex, and gore....nice one!

I found another interesting V book that I loved:

The House of the Vampire

its even more sexy!

Update 6/9/08: 2 1/2 stars (can't seem to change the rating)

I finished reading the book this morning and... I didn't hate it. After the issue with the Kindle pricing and the reviews which pretty much told the story, I started reading with a negative frame of mind but ended up enjoying it more than I expected. I've always liked the Jason character so I was interested in the book.

I didn't feel it was like "Micah", which should have been a short story in an anthology as far as I'm concerned. "Blood Noir" was more of a side dish leading up to what I hope will be a better meal. There was more substance and a bit more action to this book than "Micah" (some actual vampire killin'). It's closer to a "bridge" book than I would have thought.

The rampant sex was toned down but the first 4 sex chapters could have been dropped. Those chapters should have been whittled down to one which gave us the back story on Jason and Perdy's relationhip and the set-up for the trip. The sex was unnecessary.

There is still too much Richard bashing (my favorite character) for my taste but there is a glimmer of hope that things will get better for him.

I was ready to give up on the series but I will stick around for the next book and take it from there. Maybe LKH can work her way back closer to the pre-ardeur Anita.

I'm glad the Kindle price came down so I could read this book.

*****

I know this isn't really the place to put this but I'm ticked. Today is the release date of Blood Noir and the hard cover is selling for $17.13 but the Kindle version is $20.76. What's up with that?

Update: In case no one reads the comments to my "review", I want to add a bit more information.

I have not read the book but I didn't want anyone accidentally paying more for the Kindle version than the hard cover and you can't leave a comment without giving some kind of rating. This was the best way I could think of to stop that from happening. As it is, they have dropped the price to $15.42 since I posted my "review". I could have picked any star rating but I chose 1 star. I'm holding out for $9.99 or the paperback.

Update 5/28/08: The Kindle price is still $15.42 but now the hard cover is $15.57. A 5 cent difference. Bring the Kindle price down.

Update 5/30/08 afternoon: $15.57, Kindle version = $14.01

Update 6/4/08: The price FINALLY dropped to $9.99. I have purchased it and will update with a *real* review after I've read it.

I didn't like this book as well as Harlequin, but at least it had a mystery or two to keep me entertained. I didn't like going through the whole book with only two phone calls from Jean-Claude. He's the biggest reason I stick with the series even though I loathe the ardeur. Richard's little problem could be interesting, but I'll be really happy if Hamilton doesn't zap us with the details. I did like seeing more of Jason. He's always been one of my favorites of the secondary characters.

I guess the difference between readers who give 3 stars or above and those who give below, is whether you have accepted one single fact and moved on.

Anita is not going to stop.

The number of men that gather around her is not going to stay at a number. It may go up or go down, but never stop.

I used to feel disgusted and annoyed at the sex scenes, the endless lines of men who crawl over the ground for her attention.

Then suddenly, it smacked me in the head. Its part of the story line. Get over it and keep reading.

And to be honest, I felt a whole lot better when reading Blood Noir after that.

I do have to admit that I kind of skimmed through the first few scenes. I understood that it was needed, but that didn't mean I had to give it my full attention.

The plot got interesting when Anita flew to Jason's old town, and the Summerlands got involved.
I was a bit disappointed with the involvement of the non-supernautral (e.g. the Summerlands). The last scene with the kidnapping and torture was a bit downplayed, as if the author didn't have enough time to write it, or didn't have enough pages left.

I did like the part with the weretigers, Richard and the wolves, and Jason. It wasn't that bad. And it was good to see Richard finally moving along, somehow that it.

I have to be honest, if you don't like it, can't accept it, just don't read it or buy it. Stop crowding the board with all those reviews that just make me plain bored.

Imagine the horribly malformed love-child of "Days Of Our Lives," Anne Rice and some really bad Mary Sue fan fiction.

That is the most accurate description I can think of for "Blood Noir," the fifteenth novel in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series. Since it's a rather lame little novella pumped up to novel size, Laurell K. Hamilton spins up artificial drama and endless sexual angst that never really goes anywhere or does anything, but fills up plenty of pages. By the end, you'll be wondering what the point is.

Werewolf stripper Jason drops by Anita's house to whine that his estranged dad is dying, and he's broken up with his girlfriend because she wanted monogamy. Three guesses which is considered more traumatic -- monogamy or cancer.

So Anita comforts him the only way she knows how, and then agrees to pose as his girlfriend so he can prove to his dad that he isn't gay. Apparently his family is more worried about his sexuality than about his being a werewolf. But when they arrive, Anita finds that Jason is one of several look-alike men in his hometown, and one of them is a wealthy engaged stud who is having an affair with the wife of a local Master vampire. This, needless to say, stokes up lots of bad feelings.

It also causes a few personal crises, as Anita finds out that weird tabloid rumors in St. Louis are jeopardizing Jean-Claude's position, and local vampires are gunning for Jason because he looks just like his cousin. Unfortunately this is only the start of her problems, since the ancient vampire matriarch Mother of All Darkness is waking up -- or I should say, STILL waking up after several books -- and causing yet more trouble for Anita.

For your information, "Blood Noir" was originally a novella. But while the page-count has expanded to that of a full-length novel, Laurell K. Hamilton fails to expand the story along with it -- it still has a novella-sized plot, which appears to have been cribbed from the wastepaper basket of a hack TV writer. We've got lookalikes, confusion, family drama, and embarrassing headlines. Even the name of Jason's cousin -- Keith Summerland -- sounds lifted from a soap.

And Hamilton is pretty clearly making it up as she goes along, throwing in plot twists and contrived crises whenever the slow-moving plot starts lagging. Unfortunately she doesn't actually deal with the fallout of these twists -- most of them just putter out and never really get dealt with. Presumably Hamilton either got tired of writing and wanted to wrap up the book, or she didn't want to write any dramatic scenes that don't involve lots of orgasms, bodily fluids and Anita.

While there isn't as much plotless sex as in some of Hamilton's other books, sex is still the sole driving force of "Blood Noir." Breakups, personal crises, metaphysical problems and threats are all handled by Anita's sex'n'powers combo -- and even in the sex-free portions of the book, the characters' sex lives are what propel things onward.

And sadly, those people's sex lives are more ludicrously silly than genuinely sexy. Anita has inexplicably become a tabloid celebrity more famous than A-list starlets, and Keith's fiancee is only able to identify Jason by staring at his penis. I wish I had made this up, but I couldn't.

Anita continues to be a standard Mary Sue self-insert -- she's abrasive as a power sander, smart as a cinder block, adored and feared by all around her, and develops a new supernatural power every time she sneezes. Comically enough, her sex life is apparently the stuff of national interest now, despite the fact that she basically doesn't do anything to warrant anyone's interest except collect vampires and werebeasties for her expansive harem.

Thankfully that harem is rarely glimpsed in this book, and it's soon obvious why this is a good thing. The supposedly suave Jean-Claude has become needy and clingy, the appallingly creepy Nathaniel acts like a pimp, and Jason has been transformed into a self-absorbed slut who treats non-Anita women like sex toys. And Hamilton takes yet another pot-shot at Richard, dragging him into the plot just so Anita can remind us why we are supposed to hate him. Doesn't work.

"Blood Noir" is neither noir nor bloody, and the thin plot is stretched to the breaking point with lots of bad sex, whining, and plot twists that stupefy rather than shock. Truly ghastly -- and not the good way either.

Jean-Claude's pomme de sange Lycan Jason visits his master's human servant vampire executioner and living vampire who feeds off of sex, Anita Blake to ask his friend to accompany him as his pretend lover when he visits his dying estranged father. Anita agrees when Jason informs her that his father refuses to speak to him not due to his lycanthropic condition, but because the older man believes his son is homosexual.

Jason and Anita arrive to find out that Keith Summerland, who looks like Jason's twin, is getting married this weekend. Pretending affection in public Jason kisses Anita in front of a reporter causing a scandal in which other Masters consider grabbing the seemingly weakened Jean-Claude's territory. To prevent this Jean-Claude will have to display anger in public and punish his errant servants.

Meanwhile first vampire Marmee Noir, the Mother of All Darkness and asleep for a millennium, is attracted to Anita's powers. She strikes at Anita and Marmee Noir makes her have sex with two shapeshifters including a were-tiger. Anita feels another metaphysical tiger in her body. Jason and Anita still worry about an enraged vampire because Keith married the wife of the Master of the City; and the Master Vamp wants the interloper dead. The authorities fear for the lives of Jason and Anita while she also has to deal with Marmee Noir without the help of Jean-Claude

BLOOD NOIR is very different in tone than the previous books in the Anita Blake saga as the heroine for the most part costars with one man rather than her usual male queue. This allows the audience to see another side of the vampire slayer as she shows she can relate to a man with being in love with him; an extraordinary concept. Although well written, too many key unanswered questions involving Marmee Noir exist, which subtracts from an otherwise strong tale as Anita proves to herself she can enjoy without love sans guilt. Blake fans will appreciate how far the star goes for a friend.

Harriet Klausner

All I can say is if you must read it get it at the library don't waste your money.
I am very disappointed in this book and its author, I hope she reads some of these reviews and goes back to her old formula, it worked why change.

Let me just begin by saying that it's fair to say that Anita isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I love the series and have only been mildly disappointed once or twice in the past.

But Blood Noir doesn't disappoint; having read all of the previous Anita books, this one is a nice progression of her -verse. I liked seeing how the Mother of All Darkness is flexing her magical muscle and how she's putting the fear of her into everyone.

I liked the intro and back story of born tigers. Good to know that Richard is an @$$ with or without Anita's rage. And I really liked getting to know Jason better.

My only issue is that we never got to meet Keith. And Bobbi never got it shoved in her face that she was oh so very wrong about her brother.

I really enjoyed Jason's book. It's nice to see what's behind the flirt and the body.

I have read all of the Anita Blake books. I am torn on them at this point. I miss the original Anita but I am not so much of a prude to be like SHE CAN NEVER HAVE SEX...EVER!!! I think that Laurell does her best in blending the old and the new. Does she get carried away sometimes...yes. Does she not explain everything like she should...yes. Are the Anita Blake books still popular and good reads...YES! I don't really get the title or the cover art b/c it has nothing to do with the book but I still enjoyed it. I am not really a fan of any of the books where Anita travels outside of St. Louis but this was okay. I am glad that she explored Jason and Anita's relationship. I was not happy about the orgy with the new weretigers but it was bound to happen. I think people need to back of Laurell. This is her series and she has the FREEDOM to write what she wants. If you don't like it...THEN STOP READING IT!!! I will continue to follow Anita. I love her...and I don't want to sleep with her.

Great story on all levels, lots of blood, sex, and gore....nice one!

I found another interesting V book that I loved:

The House of the Vampire

its even more sexy!

I have to say that over the years I have gotten upset at the former LKH fans that have felt wronged in some way, and have lost faith in the Anita series. I personally think their dissatisfaction should not stop other fans from trying the series.

As for this book, no, it is not the best in the series. The first three chapters are Jason and Anita being too thoughtful, and a bit whiney, all while figuring out how to be intimate. The story line is not as strong as it could be. The main reason for this being a "Jason book" is that Anita and he go to visit his dying father, and all heck breaks loose. This story line, however, gets lost in a mistaken identity story line, a vampire attack story line, and other such smaller story lines. Overall, this adds to a feeling of being rushed through too much information and incompletion.

My feeling is that LKH is trying to add more thought into her writing, to make it "deeper" somehow. I just don't think it always comes off as deeper - Sometimes it just sounds like rambling.

Now, having said this, I am not sorry I have read this story. I learned more about my favorite character, connected to Anita (even through the whining), and still felt as though the book fit into the series. I finished the book the same day I bought it, and I cannot wait until the next book so that I can see what happens next.

My recommendation is to check out this book from a library if you are not sure if you will like it. But, please, don't spam negative thoughts here just because you did not feel completely fulfilled.

This book isnt bad, its written in true LKH style but it lacks what used to make her books interesting. Her work and suspense, in my opinion. This story is about Jason. I love Jason and its worth the read but something is missing. I did enjoy the twist toward the end and as usual Richard is a whiney cry baby, but that is sort of part of his charm its why you love and hate him. With the recent change in him maybe he wont be such a cry baby in the next book, which I might add I am waiting on.
I still recommend this read.

I always enjoy the Anita Blake books and this was no exception. Yes, I'm in the camp that wishes for more plot and less sex, but the books are still fun or I wouldn't keep buying them. I wasn't as interested in this one as usual, simply because I don't find the character of Jason to be all that appealing, and it did seem like the plot was something that should have been used in a smaller work. But I find it difficult to come up with good paranormal writers as most either don't write well or don't have characters that grab my imagination, so I'm sticking with Ms. Hamilton and hoping the next book focuses more on Jean-Claude.

After the tragedy that was Danse Macabre, The Harlequin was a step up, and Blood Noir is yet again better. The greatness of the series that was Anita Blake ended at Obsidian Butterfly, but what has been the last six or so books is still brilliant writing, even if the plot is dying/dead. Character development is still arguably there and I do still enjoy the characters, but I badly miss the days with RPIT, and, of course, less sex.

I did enjoy this episode, but the novel didn't seem to properly end. Hamilton has begun, it seems, to do to this series what she does to Merry Gentry, and that is end the book without actually ending it. There is a difference between the end of a book and the end of a chapter. Merry Gentry seems to be a string of chapters, which makes each book difficult to remember and distinguish from each other, but Anita Blake had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Until recently, that is. It's great that Hamilton experiments and develops her style, but readers expect a level of consistency, and Anita Blake doesn't have that anymore.

I picked up this book with really low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. I read it in one day. LKH lately was writing plot-light sex escapades. I was surprised she toned it down. It was sexy without being gross and over the top. I also want to congratulate her on restraint between chapters 40 and 41. I just knew I was gonna get a description of a blow by blow orgy. Thank god she didn't. The plot was decent. Jason is a great character and I wish he featured more prominently in the story than Richard. What would an Anita Blake book be with out her arguing for a few chapters with Richard (Sigh). Only complaint is the ending. More explanation would have added at least another 50 pages, but LKH seems to have that James Clavell style of writing "the rode off to their destinies" sort of thing. She really has to stop the whole recovery after major battle quick endings. You know the whole will I was in the hospital this happened, no dialogue. After I got out that happened, no dialogue. She did better this time. There actually was somewhat of a resolution. There even was a tense shift, from first to third. She may have started the genre but other writers have perfected it. Check out Jim Butcher, Charlene Harris, Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong just to name a few.

How everyone complains about how much sex is envolved in Hamilton's latest Anita Blake books I almost didn't read this one, but I am gald that I did. I enjoyed it and finished in one day. I wouldn't mind if there was a little more action like there used to be, but if people don't care for the erotic parts skip through it, that's what I did. There just needs to be a little less standing around talking (although informative) and a little more action. I myself hope that the series continues.

this series is basically my paranormal encyclopedia. . . it always seems like every book i read after is just a book but these are the "real way its supposed to be" hahahah. . . .definately the best vampire/paranormal series ever written i think

I personality loved this book(which isn't surprising because I love almost all of the Anita Blake books) and I don't really understand or agree with all the negative reviews about it. Unlike many of first Anita Blake books like Guilty Pleasures and Lunatic Cafe, this book wasn't boring, and actually grabbed and pulled me into the story as I read on. Laurell K. Hamilton is an excellent writer and to those who criticize, you really have no idea what you are missing.

Blood Noir (2008) is the sixteenth fantasy novel in the Anita Blake series, following The Harlequin. In the previous volume, the Harlequin team exceeded their orders and tried to take over the domain. They underestimated Anita and lost the battle and their lives.

Richard and his self-doubts became a liability during the metaphysical battle and he was told to get in or get out. He chose to withdraw from the triumvirate and this time Anita didn't feel any regrets. Maybe this time their breakup will be forever.

Both Belle Morte -- head of Jean-Claude's bloodline -- and Marmee Noir -- Mother of All Darkness and queen of the vampires -- manifested for a short time through Anita. They were helpful in the battle, but were eventually repelled. Marmee Noir was definitely beginning to wake.

In this novel, Anita came home to find Nathaniel and Jason Schuyler sitting at her kitchen table. Jason -- Nathaniel's best friend -- has a problem. He has just found out that his father is dying and wants to see him and his girlfriend. But Jason has recently broke up with Perdy and lacks a girlfriend at this time.

Jason's father has always been disappointed with his only son and is firmly convinced that he is gay. Jason is definitely heterosexual, but might be bisexual. Of course, his father would consider that the same as homosexual.

Nathaniel suggests that Anita go with Jason as his girlfriend. She has reservations, but finally agrees to do so. Jason is also her friend and ardeur partner, but she is not really his girlfriend in the way that his father would accept. So she wants to help him out in this situation, yet feels a little uncertain about the implicit lies.

Jean-Claude is also a little leery about the circumstances, but still gives his permission. Then Anita learns that she will have to fly to Jason's home in a small prop plane. She definitely doesn't want to do that, but Jean-Claude lets them use his personal jet. Even then, Anita feels uncomfortable, but she is going to follow through with this commitment despite her fears.

In this story, Jason and Anita reach Asheville, North Carolina, without any problems, but they find that the town has been invaded by the media. Keith Summerland -- son of a presidential candidate -- is scheduled to marry Lisa Bromwell in Asheville within the next few days. Unfortunately, most people mistake Jason for the Summerland twins and vice-versa. This is a longstanding problem, but the timing is terrible. Then they find out that the Summerland party is staying at the same hotel as they are.

Jason and Anita get into the hotel through the parking garage within a limo with dark glass windows. Despite the security in the garage, a photographer still gets a picture of Jason. So Jason gives Anita a very theatrical kiss for the camera. The photo man gets away from security while taking even more pictures guaranteed to upset Governor Summerland.

Later, Jason and Anita try to get to the hospital in a taxi, but the media has a feeding frenzy and blocks the driveway. Jason gets out and tells them that he is not Keith Summerland. Then Anita introduces herself to the crowd and a reporter recognizes her relationship with Jean-Claude. Suddenly the reporters fabricate a story about Anita spurning the sexy vampire master of Saint Louis and marrying Jason. While the media are having a creative frenzy, Jason and Anita walk back to the hotel.

When they finally get to the hospital (in a dark glass limo with a police escort), Jason's father is very sarcastic and disparaging. Anita retaliates and chews the father up one side and down the other. She tells him a few unwelcome truths. Suddenly, the old man decides that she is all right. Maybe he is really is a bully like his family believes.

One of the things about Asheville that bugs Anita is that many of the people look alike. She is told that Jerediah Summerland had led a cult into the area to get away from worldly temptations. Jerediah was very self-righteous, but believed in spreading his seed. Later Anita meets the bridesmaids -- all former girlfriends of Jason -- and they all have the same Summerland look.

This tale gets even more complicated when men pursuing Keith catch Jason and Anita instead. Then weretigers and vampires become involved. Anita discovers a new power, but Marmee Noir also reveals a previously unknown ability. Anita loses some memories for a while, but finally recovers them.

This novel contains more sex than recent works, but mostly with Jason only. He certainly appreciates her undivided attention. One of his problems with Perdy was her prudery, but this is not a problem with Anita.

Once again, Anita gets into a very difficult situation because people are withholding information from her. So she finds the truth in her own way. The sequel to this volume is Skin Trade. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Hamilton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of sexual antics, preternatural affairs, and various forms of love.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Well, Hamilton has done it again. This is a book full of entertainment with a slice of violence and some really steamy, creative mating rituals, if you know what I mean. I really enjoyed finding out more about Jason and also what transpires for him throughout the book. Blake is still a bad*** and Richard still is the same old same old with a touch of the scary. I'll be really interested to see what path Anita takes when the Mother of All Darkness finally decides to wake up from her nap.

I got my hands on an advance copy from a friend. All I can say is this: What the hell has Laura K. Hamilton done to this series? I have been an Anita Blake fan for years now. I own the entire series. I enjoyed the Strong Independent Female character. What she has become in the last several books is a travesty. I'm not a prude and sex is great-but it has it's place. I don't get off on repeated, meaningless, badly construed orgies with EVERY Tom, Dick and Harry. It's become tiring and lethargic to read this crap and I think this is where the series ends for me. Hamilton should take a lesson from the Sookie Stackhouse novels, that have actually gotten better with each book and feature a lead who sleeps with ONE guy at a time. Like most of us who don't charge for it. Let's hope she doesn't screw up the Merry Gentry series too.

I can only say that I have read all the Anita Baker series and have never been unsatisfied. Anita Blake gives me the blood lust and sex fix I need.
After reading the series Laurell Hamilton leaves me knowing the characters and becoming attached to them in one aspect or another.
I have read other series that deal with the supernateral or preternatural and most of the others lack and leave me expecting more. If you are an Anita Baker fan she will not dissappoint you on this one. Maybe the previous reviewers didn't start the series in the begining, knowing each character, their past and their relationships. Get to know Anita from the start of the series and then follow it through. Laurell always delivers.

This book, while good as her others and hard to put down, was kind or a dissapointment. Many of the usual characters were absent, and a lot of the interesting material we can usually expect was glossed over. I found myself sad it was over because after the long wait, a lot was left to be desired.

This installment of the Anita Blake series is above average as it features long time character Jason and gives us more background about his past. There was always sexual tension between Jason and Anita and this explores that much more than before, while keeping Anita still tied to all of her other lovers. It also takes her away from St. Louis which is always a nice change. I do agree with everyone else that her books since obsidian butterfly have gone downhill, sick of the arduer and sick of her long long conversations about the same things!

I liked this book. I thought it was well-written and refreshingly brief compared to "Danse Macabre" and "The Harlequin". Jason's near-identicalness to a local "bad boy" strains suspension of disbelief at times, but it isn't too bad, as literary devices go. Bringing back "Mommie Dearest" and including weretigers in the story also makes things interesting. Weretigers have not gotten much ink in this series, so it's good for them to be more involved in the main plot.

I mostly skimmed the sex scenes; I just don't care enough about them to criticize them. What I'm really annoyed with is Anita's continuing to delay taking the 4th and final mark from Jean-Claude. IMHO, she ran out of excuses and rationalizations about 2 books ago. I'm pretty sure that LKH is prolonging this drama in order to write more books. It's really irrational and unncessary, and I'd like to see this plot point dealt with ASAP. 'Nuff said.

The latest entries in the Anita Blake series have almost needed a score card for the reader to keep track of the characters and their ties to the main character, but in this selection,the cast is kept much smaller and the result is a much more cohesive and riveting tale. In Blood Noir, the main people are Jason, Anita and Jean Claude, with a short visit with pouty Richard.

Ms. Hamilton writes another satisfying read for Anita Blake fans. I enjoyed the continuing saga of our favorite Vampire Executioner, but this is one of those "dedicated" books where the author attempts to center on a sub-character (Edward, Micah, etc). This time it's Jason - who we were first introduced in the Lunatic Cafe. He's never been a character I enjoyed and was initially disappointed that he was the focus of story. But somehow Ms. Hamilton makes it work by blending in other challenges - especially the ongoing battle with Marmee Noir. Although a decent read, I would have waited for the paperback version. But now that I'm all caught up with the series, along comes the pain associated with paying for the first release hardback versions.

So many twists occur in this book. Anita's life is definitely changing in a dramatic way but the author doesn't add closure at the end like the norm so you are left wondering what is going on with the characters and what will happen. Its a definite in-between book. I agree with some of the other reviewers as it was definitely toned down from the usual action and constant problems that occur moment to moment in the other series' books and focuses more on the drama and past history of some of the characters. But I would have to say It was still all Anita! It made me laugh, it made me cheer and while the pace of the book was far slower than usual, It left me curious and anxious to read the next book in the series. Who knows, this might be the eye of the storm so-to-speak.

I am SO glad that I didn't take all the bad reviews to heart and not read this book...one of the best in the series, and Jason is one of my favorite characters as well (though I have to admit to being stupidly in love with Richard <sigh>). I borrowed from the library, but will eventually buy it, probably in paperback as I like to read the series from the beginning before each new release.

I have only read one book in the entire series where I thought the 'sex' was more for sex's sake than for the development of the characters and plot, and this ain't it. If steamy sex in print bothers you, this is NOT the series for you, but it seems to me that Ms Hamilton has gotten over whatever possessed her to throw out sex like some kind of weapon (or cleansing perhaps?) and has brought it back to relevance with the characters/plot.

I am not a prude, but I'm not 'slutty' either. I do not collect 'romance' novels, or porn, but good paranormal fiction. If the books had continued along the lines of rolling from one sex scene to another I may have given up on the series, but Ms Hamilton has done with this book what she does best. She's given us an even greater appreciation of many of the characters, their emotions, motivations, personalities, and their growth and thrown in some bad guys and a really good plot! Bravo...keep 'em comin!

This wasn't the normal Anita Blake story but still it was excellent. It really went into the dynamics of Jason and Anita's relationship or lack of there of. It was nice to see that Anita is definitely growing as a person and that this book really helped to show that. I also enjoyed that the book seemed to mainly focus on Jason and the history of this particular character. Who would have thought that Jason was from a small time town? Or that his past was so difficult for him. I give this five stars and cheer on Ms. Hamilton! You keep writing and please keep them coming!

I should first say that this series is one of my all time favorites. Most of the Anita Blake books need to be read more than once to get all the information that LKH has in them. It was a lot of fun to get background info on Jason, who I've liked since we first saw him in Bloody Bones.

If you've liked this series, you'll enjoy this book. If you don't like this series, I don't know why you think you'll like this book any more than all the others that you've felt free to trash.

Ack! I love these stories she throws into the mix that give us background and set up more story plots. No, it wasnt the best Anita book she's every written, but She's bridging some gaps and throwing out lines to give more options for future books. I did feel like she tried to just wrap the end up quickly - a little too tidy for the type of story that the book started out as. It was almost like she's writing along and then "oops, I can only have xx amount of pages. Need to wrap it up now." I think she probably could've ended it a little better, but overall It's a bridge. And it was GREAT to see a little something other than St. Louis again and learn about another person's life besides Anita's. I loved that Jean Claude showed more of his humanity when talking about his family. I love that Richard gets hit with another supernatural power. I just wish he had more to pay for it. Like Anita had to stretch her moral boundaries. Richard should too. Actually, I hope she eventually gets rid of Richard. And either Jason, or another wolf that can deal with and bring strength to the Triumvirate takes over. There are some definite issues that need to be wrapped up or explained, and I cannot wait for next year!

I almost didn't buy this book because of the bad reviews. Ms. Hamilton writes in a flawless manner. I can never put her books down and find myself trying to slow down so I can savor the book. This does not happen with most authors. I'm glad I got it and can't wait for the next one.

I wish more authors I love would write this many books!! I reread them a lot, I get a lot out of them. They're extremely meaningful to me. This new one isn't my favorite, but I bought it, read it, and it was just as crazy as every other book in the series. I love the way the ante just keeps getting upped, and upped, and upped some more, both in the vampire and lycanthrope subcultures and in Anita's personal life. I really can't thank LKH enough for what she has done for fiction. Thank you Laurell!!! Don't stop any sooner than ya gotta. I'll be truly sad when this series finally winds down.

For those of you that still read LKH because you LIKE the books, not just to bad mouth the author, you will like this addition. It is an inbetween book, a chance to learn a little background on Jason, what makes him tick, where he came from etc. The sex is good but not crazy/all the time and fits the storyline. Would have liked to explore the Marmie Noir influence a little more directly, but hopefully that is coming. I did miss Jean-Claude in this one, but again...this was a side story to give us some sense of Jason, and his and Anita's friendship...and it delivers that as well as a little action and some more explanation about the tiger shifter within Anita. Next...looking for a story on Nathanial's history, Wicked and Truth, and and more on the Marmie Noir buildup.

I thoroughly enjoy reading Hamilton's books. This one was very good but I wished it was longer. The subject matter always captures my interest and before I knew it I was finished reading the book. I can't wait for the next installment in the Anita Blake saga or for the next Meredith Gentry book.

While I do love the intricate relationship that Anita Blake has with her vampire lovers, I am pleased to see that her relationship with a werewolf friend is explored in this latest novel. I think it enhances and adds dimension to Anita's character to show her in a true friend role and shows she is not just involved emotionally with her live-in and vampire lovers. It's a little more tricky to write about the lengths she'll go to for a friend, but it rewarding to see a woman being portrayed in a sensitive way with a person she is not in love with, without her being selfish. Bravo on this one!

I am SO glad that I didn't take all the bad reviews to heart and not read this book...one of the best in the series, and Jason is one of my favorite characters as well (though I have to admit to being stupidly in love with Richard <sigh>). I borrowed from the library, but will eventually buy it, probably in paperback as I like to read the series from the beginning before each new release.

I have only read one book in the entire series where I thought the 'sex' was more for sex's sake than for the development of the characters and plot, and this ain't it. If steamy sex in print bothers you, this is NOT the series for you, but it seems to me that Ms Hamilton has gotten over whatever possessed her to throw out sex like some kind of weapon (or cleansing perhaps?) and has brought it back to relevance with the characters/plot.

I am not a prude, but I'm not 'slutty' either. I do not collect 'romance' novels, or porn, but good paranormal fiction. If the books had continued along the lines of rolling from one sex scene to another I may have given up on the series, but Ms Hamilton has done with this book what she does best. She's given us an even greater appreciation of many of the characters, their emotions, motivations, personalities, and their growth and thrown in some bad guys and a really good plot! Bravo...keep 'em comin!

This wasn't the normal Anita Blake story but still it was excellent. It really went into the dynamics of Jason and Anita's relationship or lack of there of. It was nice to see that Anita is definitely growing as a person and that this book really helped to show that. I also enjoyed that the book seemed to mainly focus on Jason and the history of this particular character. Who would have thought that Jason was from a small time town? Or that his past was so difficult for him. I give this five stars and cheer on Ms. Hamilton! You keep writing and please keep them coming!

I should first say that this series is one of my all time favorites. Most of the Anita Blake books need to be read more than once to get all the information that LKH has in them. It was a lot of fun to get background info on Jason, who I've liked since we first saw him in Bloody Bones.

If you've liked this series, you'll enjoy this book. If you don't like this series, I don't know why you think you'll like this book any more than all the others that you've felt free to trash.

Ack! I love these stories she throws into the mix that give us background and set up more story plots. No, it wasnt the best Anita book she's every written, but She's bridging some gaps and throwing out lines to give more options for future books. I did feel like she tried to just wrap the end up quickly - a little too tidy for the type of story that the book started out as. It was almost like she's writing along and then "oops, I can only have xx amount of pages. Need to wrap it up now." I think she probably could've ended it a little better, but overall It's a bridge. And it was GREAT to see a little something other than St. Louis again and learn about another person's life besides Anita's. I loved that Jean Claude showed more of his humanity when talking about his family. I love that Richard gets hit with another supernatural power. I just wish he had more to pay for it. Like Anita had to stretch her moral boundaries. Richard should too. Actually, I hope she eventually gets rid of Richard. And either Jason, or another wolf that can deal with and bring strength to the Triumvirate takes over. There are some definite issues that need to be wrapped up or explained, and I cannot wait for next year!

I almost didn't buy this book because of the bad reviews. Ms. Hamilton writes in a flawless manner. I can never put her books down and find myself trying to slow down so I can savor the book. This does not happen with most authors. I'm glad I got it and can't wait for the next one.

I wish more authors I love would write this many books!! I reread them a lot, I get a lot out of them. They're extremely meaningful to me. This new one isn't my favorite, but I bought it, read it, and it was just as crazy as every other book in the series. I love the way the ante just keeps getting upped, and upped, and upped some more, both in the vampire and lycanthrope subcultures and in Anita's personal life. I really can't thank LKH enough for what she has done for fiction. Thank you Laurell!!! Don't stop any sooner than ya gotta. I'll be truly sad when this series finally winds down.

For those of you that still read LKH because you LIKE the books, not just to bad mouth the author, you will like this addition. It is an inbetween book, a chance to learn a little background on Jason, what makes him tick, where he came from etc. The sex is good but not crazy/all the time and fits the storyline. Would have liked to explore the Marmie Noir influence a little more directly, but hopefully that is coming. I did miss Jean-Claude in this one, but again...this was a side story to give us some sense of Jason, and his and Anita's friendship...and it delivers that as well as a little action and some more explanation about the tiger shifter within Anita. Next...looking for a story on Nathanial's history, Wicked and Truth, and and more on the Marmie Noir buildup.

I thoroughly enjoy reading Hamilton's books. This one was very good but I wished it was longer. The subject matter always captures my interest and before I knew it I was finished reading the book. I can't wait for the next installment in the Anita Blake saga or for the next Meredith Gentry book.

While I do love the intricate relationship that Anita Blake has with her vampire lovers, I am pleased to see that her relationship with a werewolf friend is explored in this latest novel. I think it enhances and adds dimension to Anita's character to show her in a true friend role and shows she is not just involved emotionally with her live-in and vampire lovers. It's a little more tricky to write about the lengths she'll go to for a friend, but it rewarding to see a woman being portrayed in a sensitive way with a person she is not in love with, without her being selfish. Bravo on this one!

I absolutely worship the ground Laurell K Hamilton walks on and have read every book she has ever written, and am especially obsessed with her Anita Blake series. Out of all of her books, this one ranks with the top 15. It was very good and I love how she kept with Anita's life like no time had passed but this one didnt have nearly as much plot as her others. Like her last 2 or so, this one focuses on Anita's men and her relationship with them, not so much the bad guys. Dont get me wrong, there was definately bad guys in there, just they didnt seem as important as they used to.

I've loved Laurell K. Hamiliton ever since I picked up the first Anita Blake book a few years ago. She has gradually expanded Anita's character until she is taking responsiblity for her feelings, her powers and so much more.

When I read about LKH's world, it makes me wish I could be there. I've never read another writer who does the things she allows Anita to do with the sex scenes...but I for one find it interesting. The way she allows Anita to juggle the different love interests in her life and how she feels guilt over the ardeur makes the story and the character seem all the more real to me.

In particular I liked the fact that we are FINALLY getting to hear Jason's story. It appealed to me that Anita, even though she didn't want to decided to be a friend and help Jason through a hard time. These kinds of quirks are what make Anita real to me. She may whine and argue about something but eventually she comes around to the right thing. I also like the fact that she struggled a little about sleeping with Jason one on one. She's tough, standing her ground against the other guards and Jason when he made her feel bad.

I don't understand why people would continue to read a writer if they are really as disgusted with their work as many on this page seem to be. She is in your face about her views on sex, God and so much more. I love her and will continue to read anything she puts out. Obviously her success in book sales is a better testament than anything that people do still read her books, they do still love her work and even those of you who so vehemently talk trash about her read her didn't you? Enough said.

I'm not going to write a synopsis about this book. There are plenty of those. But I will give you a simple reason why you should or shouldn't read this book.

If you are a fan of the progression that Anita, as a person, has been undergoing in the last few books, then read it.

If you're looking for the intricate plot lines, and complex mysteries to be solved that were the basis for the earlier Anita Blake books, then this isn't for you.

I understand that it's easy to feel personally invested in a long & ongoing series that an author writes. But, this is Laurell's story to tell. Anita is her creation, her muse, and Laurell is the one who is in control of Anita's journey. No one has the right to tell her how every book should play out. That's none of our business, and it's not her responsibilty to make everyone happy.

I don't know Laurell K Hamilton personally, so what I say isn't based on any secret intitmate knowledge I may have about her. But she has made it pretty clear that if you don't like her writing, don't read it. Don't buy the book, take the time to read it, then piss & moan about how disappointed you are. You could've waited until your turn to borrow it from the library or for it to have come out in paperback. You could've just stopped reading it half way through, and put it down. But you couldn't could you. You had to see what happened anyway. And that is what makes Laurell a great author. She makes you want to read her writing reguardless of how uncomfortable or grumpy it makes you feel when you get to the end. It is for that reason alone that I recommend her books. All of them.

So read it or don't. But stop whining about her books not being what you wanted them to be, and take resposibility for your own time.

I finished "Blood Noir" today in one sitting. I have read some of the other reviews and while I guess I can see some of their points, I think they have missed some of the bigger picture. "Blood Noir" is more of a "Micah" type novella than a true Anita Blake novel, that being said, it is still a worthwhile read. I was still completely consumed by the novel. I laughed out loud, was blindsided by a few things and completely enjoyed myself. Everyone won't be happy, Anita Blake is not a typical close ended series. There won't be that build up to "THE END" like most other series (at least not anytime soon, I hope.) Lots of other storylines were revealed and open to be explored in other novels. This is a novel to build anticipation for future offers. I eagerly await the next Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel and wholeheartedly recommend this one.

IT'S JUST A BOOK PEOPLE (That's for all of the trolls who have all the time in world to put down on someone for speaking there mind). I enjoyed reading Blood Noir, and I don't know why people have to be such haters. I think that if you enjoyed reading Laurell, Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series, then you should just judge it for yourself.

Blood Noir isn't the best in the Anita Blake series. That doesn't make it bad, though. I thought the premise was kinda funny and refreshing, and I thought Anita needed a change of scenery. I also liked that Jason's character got some expansion. I think some of the loyal readers of the series get a little overly passionate about the books sometimes. Laurell K. Hamilton does not have an obligation to write great books for you. I don't understand why people bring the author's personal life under attack every single time she releases a Blake novel. I'm not a long-term reader. I just started the series a few months ago, and have read it through. All anyone can talk about is how the series declined after Obsidian Butterfly. I didn't even like Obsidian Butterfly very much. I found the story very contrived and didn't like the South-West setting. But I didn't get on the internet to complain about Hamilton's "divorce flavored" writing. The series has loyal fans for a reason, the books are best sellers for a reason, and people are dishing out money on this new hardcover for a reason. I don't think true fans of the series will be disappointed with Blood Noir.

I'm glad that they have expanded Jason's story but they really need to give him a steady girl. I do feel that Richard's angst is getting old and LKH needs to find a way to use him without so much drama but all in all this was a well written story on Jason and his past and I felt he was on his way to finding some resolution with his family. If I had been Anita though I probably would have bitched-slapped his sister. I would also like to see Anita and Micah with his family.

I am such a fan of Hamilton and Anita Blake. There is soooo much to say about how great this book is that I do not know where to start. I special ordered it, picked it up from Borders yesterday evening, stayed up until 4am. Could_Not_Put_It_Down. In the middle of a work week no less. I did not care and it was totally worth it. Her characters are like old friends. They jump off the pages and you get sucked into the story lines. In this one, I was in agony and fear for Anita under the circumstances that befell her. Just like the cartoon posted on Hamilton's website, I'm a junkie fiending for my next Anita (and Meredith) fix. She always finds a way to make it fresh.

KayDee

This is definitely the best Anita Blake novel since Narcissus in Chains. Only three sex scenes, one of which is mostly glazed over, full of plot, new revelations about Anita's powers, and I feel like the Jason character has really been fleshed out. The word count per page is reasonable (no double spacing). It took me about 4 hours to read today.

Overall I highly enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to readers who became a little jaded by all the sex in the last few books. Give Laurell K Hamilton another chance and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Ok, i understand people are kind of annoyed about this book, then again ever since the ardeur showed up people have been b'ing about the books. Personally, i LOVED this book! I ended up reading it in one sitting because i couldn't put it down. Granted, i'm a HUGE lover of Jason ( and Nathaniel ) so i did adore that he was in it so much. It did have a novella feel but not so much that it was distracting. Now, i'm not a fan of the ardeur...i'm not. I haven't liked it since day one, HOWEVER, i think she did a great job of explaning it in the last book so i do understand it more. Do i wish it was gone? um, ya. Does it stop me from loving the series and waiting for each next beek with eager anticipation? um, NO. That's just my two cents, i ususally don't write reviews as you can tell but i just had to share that fans of the series who've stuck with it so far will love it.